Theresa M. (Soleau) Balk

Theresa M. (Soleau) Balk

April 5, 1918 – August 30, 2021

Theresa M. Balk, age 103, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2021 at the IHM Senior Living Community with her oldest daughter by her side.

Born April 5, 1918 in Bowling Green, Ohio, she was the daughter of Benjamin and Martha (Sanglier) Soleau. Theresa grew up in Monroe and was a 1936 graduate of St. Mary Academy. She went on to attend the former Monroe Business University. Theresa worked as a secretary for Automotive Club of Michigan and then owned and operated Fasionette Beauty Salon. Eventually, Theresa retired as Executive Secretary at Jones Transfer Company.

Theresa took flying lessons at the Marshal Airport, where she earned her commercial pilot's license in 1945 and she joined the Civil Air Patrol. Theresa also was a flying instructor at the Custer Airport for many years. She was a member of St. Michael Church.

On July 19, 1975, she married her late husband, Henry J. Balk, at St. Michael Church. Theresa was a loving mother to her three daughters and son. She was like a mother to her two stepchildren, Larry Balk and Jan Davidson. She always put her family first. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, tatting, one stroke painting, and making jewelry. She and Hank then spent many happy years in Sun City, AZ before moving back to Monroe.

Theresa is survived by four daughters, Marlene Wickenheiser of San Rafael, CA, Maris Cato of Kingsland, CA, Marieta Wickenheiser of Sacramento, CA, and Jan (Wayne) Davidson of Monroe; one son, Larry (Susan) Balk of Monroe; twenty one grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren with two on the way. She is also survived by many, many nieces and nephews.

Sadly, she was preceded in death by one son, Mark Wickenheiser; five brothers, Ralph Soleau, James Soleau, Benjamin Soleau, Donald Soleau, and Ray Soleau, one sister, Marie DeSloover; and one grandchild, Nina.

Family and friends may gather Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 4pm till 7pm at Rupp Funeral Home, with a rosary being held at 6pm that evening. A funeral mass will be held the following day, Friday, September 3, 2021 at St. Michael Church. She will lie instate at 10am with the funeral mass beginning at 11am with Fr. Kishore Babu Battu officiating. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Theresa's name may be made to St. Michael Church or Elara Caring.

Theresa will be remembered for her generous spirit and her sense of humor, as well as always looking like a million bucks!

Words of comfort and online condolences to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.