Brian William Balfe

BRIAN WILLIAM BALFE, age 75 of Kilkenny died on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at his home.

Born on March 25, 1941 in Kilkenny Township, Le Sueur County, Minnesota, he was the son of Ambrose and Margaret (Keough) Balfe.  He attended St. Canice Parochial School in Kilkenny before graduating from McKinley High School in Le Center in 1959.  Brian went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 until his discharge in 1963.  Upon his discharge, he began working construction and in 1965 went into the bricklayer’s apprenticeship program.  He was a proud union member of Bricklayers & Allied Craft Workers Local #1 for 51 years in the Twin Cities.  He worked on many commercial buildings, schools and churches.  Before his retirement, he worked at the new Gonda building at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. 

Brian married Faye Johannsen on November 14, 1964 at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny.  He brought his family back to his home farm where he raised crops, livestock and kids.  He also taught his wife how to farm.  He did cement work in the area, teaching his young friends his knowledge of construction.

Brian was the first Commander of the newly formed VFW Post #7905 in Kilkenny.  He was a member of St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny where he served on the financial committee and helped coordinate the building of the church hall.  He also served as a township supervisor.

Brian enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, going to concerts and sporting events.  He taught his older grandkids the value of working hard and being proud of what they accomplished.  He recently had two new grandkids that brightened his last days with smiles, hugs and kisses.

He is survived by his wife, Faye of Kilkenny; three daughters, Kim (Steve Scheffert) of Waseca, Traci (Jason Quinnell) of Northfield, and Kelly (Jason Kirchner) of New Prague; five grandchildren, Caroline Scheffert, Ethan and Tyler Quinnell, and Olivia and Finley Kirchner; and nieces and nephews.    He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Adeline and George Johannsen; brothers, Peter, Myles and Bob; grandson, Matthew Scheffert; and nephew, Paul Balfe.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 21, 2016 from 4-7 PM  at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waterville and continue on Tuesday, one hour before services at the church.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny with Fr. David Barrett officiating.  Private family burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Kilkenny.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Croix Hospice in Mankato or St. Francis Cancer Center in Shakopee. dennisfuneralhomes.com

 
 

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