Althea V. Balz

Althea V. Balz, 86, Athens died Sunday, February 26, 2017 at St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield. She was born April 19, 1930 in the town of Hamburg, daughter of the late Edward and Esther (Krenz) Bloch. Althea was a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield for more than 16 years. She also farmed in the town of Halsey for many years. When Althea moved to Athens she was instrumental in starting the Ambulance Service and served as an EMT from 1974 until 1985. Althea was the secretary/treasurer of the Athens Cemetery Association since 2005 and was proud to be a caretaker at the cemetery. Some of her favorite pastimes besides caring for the cemetery included weaving rugs and making her famous caramel corn. Survivors include her children, William (Deborah) Balz, Athens, Ruth (John) Weiler, Athens, Jean Balz, Athens, Terry (Cindy) Balz, Marathon, Fritz (Karen) Balz, Athens and Susan Miller, O' Fallon, IL, 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and two brothers, Kenneth (Deloris) Bloch, Athens and Kermit (Lynette) Bloch, Marathon and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2017 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. The Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate. Burial will be in the Athens Village Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the Athens funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Althea's name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com