David Benrud Balow

David “Dave” Benrud Balow (also known as Pappy), age 75 of Leland, North Carolina, went to his heavenly home on September 28, 2025, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 23, 1950, to Howard Balow and Lillian Balow in Sheridan, Wyoming.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother Steve Balow and his son-in-law Ed Boso.

Growing up on the banks of the Mississippi River in Lake City, Minnesota, Dave could be found riding his bike, swimming, or getting into mischief with his little brother and friends. After getting married in 1975, Dave and Mary moved north to raise their family in Duluth, Minnesota. Once their first grandchild was born in 2003, they couldn’t resist the pull to move closer and relocate for the final time to North Carolina.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary; his children: Katie (Brian) Mathews, Diana Boso, and Dave (Danielle) Balow; eight grandchildren: Anthony (Téa Rose) Mathews, Edwin Boso II, Lillian Boso, Owen Balow, Heidi Balow, Violet Boso, Annabelle Boso, and Evelyn Balow. He is also survived by his sisters: Connie (John) Thompson and Susan (Don) Miller.

Dave’s career spanned a variety of occupations from the age of 14 to his retirement at 72. He served in the US Navy, worked as a professional chef, and the majority of his time was spent in sales. Dave became a member of the Catholic Church in 1989, and his faith was extremely important to him. He loved Jesus; Dave and Mary attended 5pm Mass at St. Mark every Saturday. Never meeting a stranger, Dave made friends wherever he went. One of his standard jokes was, “Everybody loves seeing me. Some when I show up and some when I leave.”

Dave and Mary fostered a tight knit family. They taught their children to always communicate, work through conflict, and love each other no matter what. These values continued as the family grew with in-laws and grandchildren. The family vacationed together, often had family dinners, and almost every birthday celebration was held at “Grandma and Pappy’s House.”

One of Dave’s favorite things was having a house full of family, friends, and laughter. He loved everyone with food and could often be found whipping up something delicious. A famous phrase of his was “if you go away hungry, it’s your own damn fault.”

A visitation will occur Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 6pm-8pm at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC. This will be an informal opportunity to pay respects to the family, share a memory and a hug.

All are welcome to attend his Funeral Mass which will be held Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11am at St. Mark Catholic Church. 1013 Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC. Following the service a lunch will be provided in the Parish Hall for family and friends.

For both services, please feel free to wear your fun shirts in Dave’s honor. He had a whole collection of bright, colorful, tropical, and/or patriotic shirts that were perfect for any occasion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Give-Send-Go (link below). Dave was always trying to win the lottery, but we realized at the end, as we surrounded his bedside, that he had already won. He was rich in love and family which is beyond priceless. Dave would be grateful to anyone who could help Mary financially as she adjusts to this new reality.

The family wishes to thank everyone for all the love, support and prayers!

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