Leo J. Balbach

March 17, 1928 - September 25, 2015

Leo J. Balbach, 87, of Mariah Hill, passed away Friday, September 25, 2015, at Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center in Jasper. Leo was born, March 17, 1928 in Mariah Hill to Anton and Bertha (Jochim) Balbach. He married Gladys Reckelhoff on June 6, 1953 in Saint Ferdinand Church. She preceded him in death on March 3, 2002. Leo was a retired dairy farmer. Leo served 2 years in the U.S Army and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. He was a member of the Ferdinand American Legion Post 124, St. Vincent Depaul Society and Mary Help of Christians Church in Mariah Hill. Leo was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Indianapolis Colts. Leo enjoyed gardening and wine making. Sundays were a special time for Leo as he would spend time visiting with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leo is survived by two sons, Ray Balbach and wife Lori, Ed Balbach and wife Donna all of Mariah Hill; three daughters, Sharon Klueh and husband Mark of Jasper, Mary Weyer and husband Larry, Jeanne Schaeffer and husband David all of Ferdinand; fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Leo was preceded in death by two brothers, Herbert and William Balbach. Funeral services will be Monday September 28th at 10:00 AM CDT in Mary Help of Christians Church in Mariah Hill. Visitation will be Sunday, September 27th from 2-7:00 PM CDT at Mary Help of Christians Church and Monday from 9:00 AM CDT until time of services. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mary Help of Christians Church. Ferdinand American Legion Post 124 will provide military graveside rights. *ALL TIMES CENTRAL TIME*