Donald Balster

DONALD BALSTER

Marion

Donald "Don" Edward Balster, 84, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, at his home. A celebration of life will be held at the Longbranch Best Western on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion is assisting the family.

Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Llewellyn (Boo) Balster of Marion; his daughters, Martha (David) Balster Haynes of Marquette, Mich., and Jane Balster of Bloomington, Minn.; grandsons, Evan Balster of Ames and Benjamin Balster of Hiawatha; granddaughter, Michelle (Josh) Zumbach of Palo; great-grandson, Lyndon Zumbach of Palo; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Verne and Ellen Balster; sisters, Mary Bresnahan and Joanne Allender; brother, Verne L. Balster; and son, Vern Henry Balster.

Don was born Jan. 30, 1932, in Marion, the son of Verne and Ellen Balster. He attended Loras Academy and the University of Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army. In 1956, he started working at Balster's Furniture in Marion and then assumed ownership in 1962. Don operated the store for over 30 years. On Feb. 7, 1959, he married Llewellyn (Boo) Jury Balster in Iowa City. In 1992, the business closed and he retired, spending the last 20-plus years wintering in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

He was a member of the X-Club of Cedar Rapids, Quiet Birdmen, Marion Chamber of Commerce, American Legion and service clubs. He also was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion. He served on the Iowa Judicial Nominating Committee for six years. Don earned his pilot's license in 1964 and continued to fly until his retirement.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Friends of Iowa Public Television Foundation, P. O. Box 6400, Johnson, IA 50131, Attention: Connie, or to the Blesie Tree at the Ghosh Cancer Center, 1951 51st St. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Please share a memory of Don at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.