WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Carl Elmer Balk, Jr., age 73, of Sturgis, passed away early Wednesday, afternoon February 19, 2025, at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room.
He was born June 27, 1951, in Three Rivers, son of the late Carl and Anna (Hack) Balk.
Carl resided in Sturgis for the past 25 years, coming from Centreville where he was a graduate of Centreville High School with the class of 1970.
On December 27, 1996, he married Cindee Lu Schrock in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Carl retired from Abbot Nutrition in Sturgis following 14 years of dedicated employment.
He was a member of Radiant Life Church in Sturgis. Carl enjoyed woodworking, working on small engines and go-karts, tinkering in his barn, and finding treasures at garage sales. He loved the St. Joseph County Grange Fair and he and Cindee annually camped on the fairgrounds for fair week.
Carl was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War earning the rank of E-5 and received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter M-16 Medal.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife: Cindee Lu; daughters: Cassie (Veronica Love) Balk of Fort Wayne, and Carrie (Don) Orton of White Pigeon; grandchildren: Tanner Orton and Kailey Orton and mother-in-law: Alta Schrock of Sturgis.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law: Lawrence Schrock.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 5:00 Sunday, February 23rd, at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Carl Elmer Balk, Jr. will be held at 12:00 Monday, February 24th at Radiant Life Church, 907 N. Notawa St. in Sturgis. Pastor Ryan Bibb will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at White Pigeon Township Cemetery where full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 and U.S. Army Honor Guard.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
