George T. Balch

George Theron Balch was born September 12, 1921, in Washington Township, Jewell County, Kansas, on Grandfather Nelson’s homestead near Montrose. He passed from this life on May 25, 2007, at the Mitchell County Health System Hospital, Beloit, Kansas, at the age of 85 years, 8 months, and 13 days.

George was the son of Theron “Jim” and Agnes (Nelson) Balch. He grew up on the farm and attended Rockdale #38 during his elementary years, graduating in 1939 from Montrose High School, where he excelled in basketball and track. After graduation, George went to work for the railroad then worked with a road construction company that took him to Moline, Kansas, where he met his life companion, Nadine Stangle, whom he married on July 11, 1943.

George enlisted in the Air Force in 1942, and proudly served his country during World War II as a belly gunner. He flew in more than 50 missions in the Balkans. After discharged from the service, George and Nadine moved to Montrose where he worked as a Chrysler mechanic, in farming, and managing the Co-op elevator in Courtland. George bought the Balch Homestead from his uncle, Wilfred Balch, where he and Nadine made their home and raised their family. To this union, seven children were born: George Jr., Larry, Barbara, Robert, Gregory, Janet, and Sheryl.

In 1966, George moved his family to Woodward, Oklahoma, where he managed the Woodward Co-op, for 16 years and was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and Woodward Elks Lodge # 1355. George was a 61 year member of the Masonic Order of Scottish Rite and York Rite of the Isis Shrine in Salina, Kansas, having memberships at Formoso Masonic Lodge # 336 A.F.&A.M., Woodward Masonic Lodge A.F.&A.M., and Mankato Masonic Lodge # 87 A.F.&A.M.

George and Nadine moved back to the Balch homestead in 1982, to manage the Courtland Co-op. He never really retired from working and was happiest ‘tinkering’ on engines, using his wealth of mechanical knowledge to fix things. George shared his love of fishing with the grandchildren, taking them to the pasture ponds on their visits. He and Nadine loved square-dancing and playing bridge with their friends. He continued to serve his community through the Formoso Senior Center, Jewell County Nutrition Site, and American Legion. George and Nadine’s last big community project was to help oversee major improvements at the Balch Cemetery.

George was known to all for his volunteer spirit. He truly cared about people and never knew a stranger. His survivors include two sons- Robert Balch and Greg and wife, Lynette Balch of Woodward, Oklahoma; three daughters – Barbara and husband, Luke San of Farmville, Virginia, Janet and husband, Larry Pope of Coalgate, Oklahoma, and Sheryl and husband, Bill Raphael of Mustang, Oklahoma; one sister, Margaret Balch of Concordia, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Wesley San, Wendy San, Justin and wife, Alisha Pope, Brian Pope, Garrett Balch, Ryan Balch, and Hunter Raphael.

George and Nadine were blessed to celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary together on July 11, 2006. George was preceded in death by two sons – Larry Dean and George Jr.; his parents; and his wife, Nadine in January of 2007.

A celebration of George T. Balch’s life was held at the Montrose United Methodist Church, rural Mankato, Kansas, on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Jim Rice officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Pat Wright pianist, and Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle sang “How Great Thou Art,” and the congregation sang “Amazing Grace.” Casket bearers were: Steve Dunstan, Brian Pope, Justin Pope, Ryan Balch, Garrett Balch, and Wesley San. Honorary casket bearers were: Edwin Wright, Jeff Keeler, and Hunter Raphael. Interment was in the Balch Cemetery, Formoso, Kansas, with the Mankato Masonic Lodge No. 87 A.F.&A.M., provided graveside honors. The family suggests memorials to the Montrose United Methodist Church or the Cook’s fund at the Mankato Nutrition Site. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.