Darlene "Pinky" J. Balz

Darlene “Pinky” Joy Balz, 87, of Phillips, Wisconsin, and formerly of Athens, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on January 9, 1938, to the late Denver and Edna (Schnelle) Ziegel in the town of Hamburg.

Darlene worked for Fromm Brothers, as a legal aid at a law firm, and then Employers Insurance Company prior to marrying Arlon on March 2, 1957. After which she lived and worked on the dairy farm in Athens along with Arlon and her children until she moved to her dream house on Solberg Lake in Phillips, Wisconsin.

She developed a love for sewing and became a skilled seamstress, creating clothing, bridal gowns, prom gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and doing alterations for family, friends, and neighbors. She went on to do alterations at Bride’s World in Wausau. After that she worked at Wagner’s Dairy Treat in Athens, the kitchen at Athens High School, and then at Copp’s IGA.

Darlene was a member of the PTL of Trinity Lutheran School in Athens where she participated and supported the many fundraisers for the school. She also was a member of the Ladies Aid Associations in Athens and Phillips, Rural Letter Carrier Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and was the treasurer of the Solberg Lake Association in Phillips for many years. Her love of sewing led her to join quilting clubs in the Athens and Phillips areas as well. Darlene especially enjoyed rocking babies, doing word puzzles, and reading.

Survivors include her eight children, Linda Sullivan (William O’Keefe), Michael Balz, Robin (Dave) Sauter, Jeffrey (Tina) Balz, Kurt (Colleen) Balz, Wendy (Douglas) Brodziski, Leslie (Jeff) Gerhardt, and Kandi (Brian) Lavicka; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren with another expected this month; sisters, Lois Balz and Maxine (Ray) Handrick; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arlon Balz; son, Scott Balz; parents, Denver and Edna Ziegel; and brothers, Glenwood and Dennis Ziegel.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, with Rev. Mark Schwarz officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family would like to share a special thank you with the amazing nurses and caregivers at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.