Elmer A. Balko

Elmer A. Balko, age 97, lifelong resident of Northville, passed away April 1, 2020. He was born July 7, 1922; son of Edward and Amanda (nee Witt) Balko.

He graduated from Northville High School; Class of 1940.  Elmer proudly served his country in the Army of the United States during WWII.  A true hero, he received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his bravery during the war. Elmer was united in marriage to Ruth Esch on June 25, 1949; they spent 70 loving years together as husband and wife.

After the war, Elmer began his career as a mail carrier with the Northville Post Office and retired as the Assistant Postmaster in 1977.  Following his retirement, he worked at Casterline Funeral Home for many years. Elmer began most days meeting for coffee and donuts with the “Garage Gang”, a group of friends that met for years at Casterline’s to share stories and solve the world’s problems, it was a tradition he continued until recently.

Elmer was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Northville where he served as an usher for many years. In his younger years, he enjoyed travelling and camping all over the United States with his wife in their 5 ^th wheel trailer.  He also enjoyed square dancing.  Elmer kept a well-manicured yard and had a large garden where he grew many different types of vegetables.  He was very good at euchre and often won the Sunday tournaments he played with his family.  Elmer was kind, preferred things to be simple, and was very humble.  He was tremendously proud of his family and all of their accomplishments.  He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Elmer is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Balko; his children, Gregg Balko, Sherrie Balko, Stacey Breedveld, and Gary Balko; and his granddaughters, Haley Breedveld and Alexa Breedveld.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Harold, his brother Harley, and his sister Florence Orr.

Elmer will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville where full military honors will be rendered. Due to the service limitations because of COVID-19 the family will be having a private service. During this difficult time please let the family know you are thinking of them and reach out with a phone call or leave an online condolence.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 201 Elm Street, Northville, MI 48167.