Ruth Balgeman

On February 3, 2022, Ruth Mary Balgeman, age 96, left this earth to join her husband, Eldon Balgeman, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ruth was born on June 28, 1925, in Stratton, Colorado, to Reverend Christian and Mary (Streit) Adam. In her early years she lived in the states of Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, and Michigan. Later, she resided in Chicago and Momence, before settling in Kankakee. Ruth graduated from Kankakee High School, received a Bachelors of Arts degree from Concordia University, and also a Masters of Arts from Governors State University. She began her teaching career at Salem Lutheran School in Homewood, Illinois, before coming to St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Kankakee to teach a combined class of third, fourth, and fifth graders. She married Eldon Balgeman, from Herscher, IL, on December 27, 1947, and soon thereafter took an extended leave to raise their five sons. Upon returning to St. Paul’s, she went on to teach second grade for a combined total of 30 years, and also to direct the Cherub Choir, which she truly loved. In her spare time, she taught private piano lessons. As a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for over 70 years, she served on numerous committees, including the Human Care Board and Food Pantry. She is survived by her sons, Donald (Gloria) of St. Charles, IL, William (Kim) of Kankakee, IL, Robert (Karen) of Johnson Creek, WI, Thomas (Beth) of New Berlin, WI, and Timothy (Robin) of Davenport, FL. She had 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her husband, Eldon; stillborn daughter, Mary; her parents, Rev. Christian and Mary Adam; siblings, Martha Gronewold, Esther Adam, and Paul Adam; and one daughter-in-law, Deborah (Glammeyer) Balgeman. Visitation will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 348 E. Merchant in Kankakee, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022, with services immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Karl Koeppen will be officiating. Interment will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Bonfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church food pantry or building fund.

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Ruth Balgeman

June 28, 1925 - February 3, 2022