Arlene C. Balch

Arlene C. Balch, 87, of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau, Wisc. Born August 20, 1928 in Elmhurst, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Edward and Marguerite (Klima) Carstens. She married James L. "Jim" Balch on June 17, 1951, and they lived most of their lives in Madison. Later, they moved to Green Bay and then to Beaver Dam. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim on December 9, 1993; and her two sisters, Jerry Freemon and Muriel Weber. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Jeanne Carstens of New Smyrna Beach, Fla. She is also survived by her six beloved children: Marguerite (Thomas) Johansen of Wausau; Joan (John) Freitag of Springfield, Ill.; James of Belleville, Wisc.; Michael (Jane) of Hollandale, Wisc.; Elizabeth (Stephen) Goulette and Andrew (Robin), both of Madison, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Church in Beaver Dam and was active in the Catholic Church throughout her life. She enjoyed her family, many friends, reading, and her Victorian home and gardens. She loved Christmas and decorated every room of her house with a themed tree. She had collected more than 100 Santa figurines. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at St. Katharine Drexel Church in Beaver Dam. Rev. Mike Erwin will preside. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Beaver Dam. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Memorials can be made to St. Katharine Drexel Church or The Nature Conservancy. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com