Jeffrey Allan Balster

Jeffrey (Jeff) Balster, 63, of Bella Vista, AR, died Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in 2023.

Jeffrey Allan Balster was born December 8, 1959, in Slayton, MN to Franklin and Darlene (Wagner) Balster. Jeff was the third oldest of 8 children: Steve, Sharon, Cathy, Laurie, Linda, Mark, and Michael. Jeff was raised in Wilmont, MN and graduated from Worthington High School in 1978. He went to Worthington Community College for one year where he wrestled and met his future wife, Connie. They stayed in Worthington and worked for several years, Jeff working as a county surveyor, before getting married in Las Vegas on June 11, 1983.

Jeff and Connie then moved to Texas where he started his career as a machinist. They had two children, Justin and Chris. They moved back to the Midwest and settled in Sheldon, IA, where Jeff worked as a machinist at Rosenboom Machine and Tool for over 25 years.

Growing up Jeff enjoyed wrestling, hunting, golf, and NASCAR. He loved taking Justin hunting for pheasant/deer and teaching him to golf. Jeff was Chris’s biggest supporter and enjoyed following his sports career across the country, playing for the Orabs, and then playing football for South Dakota State. Jeff will be remembered for being a stubborn and fun-loving jokester who was always sure to give his opinion. He was strong willed, a fighter, and loved his family.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Connie Balster; 2 children Justin Balster of Cedar Falls, IA, Chris (Audrey) Balster of Omaha, NE; siblings, Cathy Balster, Linda (Keith) Sorenson, Laurie (Steven) Wieneke, Mark (Julie) Balster, Michael (Mindy) Balster; sister-in-law Candace Balster; brother-in-law John Krogstad; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Franklin, and Darlene Balster; parents-in-law, Raymond and Viola Schmidt; brother Steven Balster; sister Sharon Krogstad; niece Jessica Balster; siblings-in-law Ronald Schmidt, Barbara Johnson and Jeanette Dillinger.