Robert “Bob” Balek, 95, of Mason City

Robert “Bob” Balek of Mason City, passed away suddenly, Friday, October 11, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. After a full and bountiful 95 years of life, Bob woke up in Heaven, greeted by the love of his life, Marilyn, family, and Jesus.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Friday, October 18, 2024, at Epiphany Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 5th St SE, Mason City with Rev. David O’Conner, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation will be held 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City with a scriptural wake service beginning at 7:00pm.

Robert Richard was born November 28, 1928, in Mason City, IA the youngest of 11 children of Joseph Michael and Johanna “Jennie” (Brown) Balek. He grew up in Mason City, graduating from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1947. Soon after, he entered the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in 1952. On June 25, 1955, Bob married the love of his life, Marilyn Ann McMenimen at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The couple was blessed with three daughters: Jolene, Julie and Carol. Bob worked at Mode O’ Day before beginning his career in civil service. First working as a Jailer, eventually working his way to become a Cerro Gordo County Deputy. In the late 1980’s, Bob was appointed Sheriff, winning the election in 1988 and serving until his retirement in 1995.

In 1992 his beloved wife left this earth. And though the family was heartbroken, Bob had enough love for all of them. He filled the role of Dad, Mom, Grandpa and anything else you asked of him. Bob was the best shopping partner, a sharp moral compass, and the greatest confidant. You could talk to him about anything, without fear of being judged or looked down upon.

Bob lived a life rich in love, faith, and family, and he was the steady foundation that held his loved ones together. His adventures with his three daughters and their families were the highlight of his days, and he cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren. Whether it was cheering them on at baseball, basketball and football games, soccer matches, golf meets, volleyball and softball games, cheer events, band and vocal concerts, and dance recitals and competitions, he was their biggest fan. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Bob had a deep love for the simple joys in life—mornings spent golfing or sharing coffee with friends, turtle fishing, bowling league and daily conversations with his daughters and their families. His unwavering faith was the guiding light in his life, and his family was blessed by his presence at every holiday, especially Christmas. Year after year, his daughters and grandchildren gathered at “Grandpa’s House” on Christmas Eve, where they shared meals, stories, and the joy of waking up to gifts on Christmas morning. He was a humble, fair, and patient man, ensuring everyone was treated equally, and never playing favorites.

Though he knew his time on this earth was coming to an end, Bob was at peace, confident that Heaven was waiting for him. When Jesus called him home, he left knowing that while he would miss his loved ones, he would be there waiting, ready to welcome them into eternity with open arms.

Cherishing his memory are his daughters, Jolene (Jim) Demro of Marengo, IA, Julie (Jim) Vaith of Mason City, and Carol (Kevin) Percival of Clive, IA; grandchildren, Bridget (Brent) Bowser, Travis (Michelle) Johnson, Luke (Cassidy) Johnson, Lindsey (Nate) Demro, Kaitlyn Vaith, Sarah (Zach) Roering, Bradley Vaith, Bridget (Aaron) Weddle, Alli Vaith, Matt (Kristin) Percival, Ben (Courtney) Percival, and Zach (Mallory) Percival; great-grandchildren, Kaden and Grayson Bowser, Amelia Johnson, Ada and Esme Demro, Avalyn Weddle, Harrison, Lincoln and AJ Seltun, Penny and Presley Percival, Jaxson and Jordan Percival, and Saige, Chase, Blake and Hayes Percival; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Greeting him in Heaven are the love of his life, Marilyn; his parents, Joseph and Jennie; Marilyn’s parents, John and Mildred McMenimen, who loved him dearly; siblings, Anna, Violet “Vi”, Joseph “Joe”, Caroline “Carrie”, Leonard, Lillian “Lilly”, Walter, Helen, James “Jim” and Betty as well as their spouses.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels. 641-423-2372. ColonialChapels.com