Audrey Jean Balk, 88, of Fulton, IL, died Monday, September 15, 2025, at her home.
Audrey was born on August 3, 1937, to Paul and Phernie (Eizenga) Tichler in Morrison, IL. She graduated from Morrison High School in 1955. On June 1, 1956, she married Kenneth E. Balk, and they shared their lives for over 62 years, before his passing on July 13, 2018. Over the years, Audrey worked at General Electric in Morrison, Agri Industries in Fulton, as an Avon representative, and as Secretary for the Chicago Northwestern Joint Protective Board. She was a longtime member of First Christian Reformed Church in Fulton, where she faithfully served as a Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, part of the Rebecca Society, Bible study group, and Ladies Steering Committee. Audrey also designed and created many of the Evangelism banners for her church. Audrey was instrumental in founding the Clinton Christian Women’s Club and served in many roles there. She also volunteered as Secretary for Friends for Charity. In her spare time, she enjoyed Bowling, fishing, gardening, cooking, decorating, and arts and crafts. Most of all, she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her daughters, Brenda (Troy) Bousman and Carla (Jeff) Zajicek both of Fulton; son, Jim (Jill) Balk of Garrison, IA; five grandchildren, Nathan (Roxi) Traver, Amanda (Justin) Thoms, Joseph (Danny) Zajicek, Andy (Shelby) Zajicek, and James Balk; four great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Alexander, and Adam Cramer and Paige Traver; three step-great-grandchildren, Bryson Huizenga, Brooklyn Thoms, and Nicholas Walters; sisters, Joyce Wilkins of Morrison, Linda (Vernon) Smith of Clinton, IA, and Marcia Mildren of Low Moor, IA; brothers, Warren Tichler of Fulton, Vernon (Sherrie) Tichler, Marvin Tichler and Larry Tichler all of Morrison.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken; granddaughter, Stephanie Balk; sisters, Sharon Sterenberg and Paula Maxon; brother, Robert Tichler.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Her Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Ken Renkes officiating.
Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL.
A memorial has been established.