Richard J. Balvin

Richard J. Balvin, 82, Chelsea, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama under the care of Iowa River Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday May 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chelsea with Father Michael Mescher as celebrant. Interment will follow at Stayskal Cemetery in rural Vining. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 18, from 4 to 7 p.m at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.

Richard was born on May 19, 1928 in Clutier, the son of Joseph and Emma (Dolash) Balvin. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Richard was united in marriage to Darlene Low on Dec. 30, 1953, in Tama. He retired from the Tama Paper Mill after more than 40 years of service. Richard was a member of the Elberon American Legion, VFW, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and CSA. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and going to the casino where he always won.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a sister, Ruth Balvin in infancy.

Survivors include his wife Darlene, Chelsea; four children, Debi (Jim) Sherrod, Rockledge, Fla., Kathy (Lonnie) Bazal, Elberon, David (Terry) Balvin, Cedar Rapids, and Scott (Irene) Balvin, San Antonio, Texas; seven grandchildren, Devon (Scott) Stenlake, Brandon (Stephanie) Bazal, Kristen (Chris) Ward, Kevin Balvin, Stephanie Balvin, Stacie Balvin, and Sidney Balvin; six great-grandchildren, Hannah and Haley Stenlake, Kamrie Bazal, Kathy, Andrew, and Caleb Ward; and a brother, Robert Balvin of Tama.

Memorials may be directed to the Vining Fire Department, Elberon Fire and Rescue or Iowa River Hospice.