Kenneth “Ken” John Balkenbusch, 76, Linn, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia.
He was born Aug. 17, 1948, to Albert and Rosalie “Rose” (Keilholz) Balkenbusch in Jefferson City.
He was a 1966 graduate from Linn High School and then attended Linn Technical College, getting his technical degree in electronics.
Ken was united in marriage to Carol Stegeman Sept. 11, 1971, at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos.
He joined the Army Reserve to begin his military career in 1968. For 38 years, he served with honor in the U.S. Army National Guard, retiring as a Sergeant Major. His unwavering commitment and strong will earned him the trust and respect of those he served alongside. He remained active in the American Legion after his service concluded.
As well as serving in the National Guard, Ken made a career as a skilled heavy equipment operator, building upon his dad’s legacy and taking over Balkenbusch Excavating in 1972. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became an Honorary Member of the Missouri Land Improvement Contractors of America (MLICA).
Ken’s contribution to its Convention/Education Committee echoes his personal belief in education. In 1980, he teamed up with Joe Muenks and approached Linn Technical College (now the State Technical College of Missouri) to establish a Heavy Equipment Operators School. They started the school in a Quonset hut with a dirt floor where Ken began his 28-year teaching career. Later, he served on the advisory council for the Heavy Equipment Operations program, providing guidance on its curriculum and industry-required skills, keeping the program relevant and fostering a future generation of skilled operators.
When he wasn’t on the job or at the college, Ken could often be found on his farm tending to his cattle. His love of being outdoors and his strong work ethic were emblematic of his daily life.
As a devout Catholic, Ken’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him through both challenges and triumphs. His active participation in Knights of Columbus, as a 4th degree Knight, made him a well-known and respected figure to many.
Ken was preceded in death by father, Albert; and sister, Diana Balkenbusch.
He is survived by wife of 53 years, Carol; mother, Rose; children, Kim Grega and friend Jim Meyer of Columbia, Jeff Balkenbusch and wife Janna of O’Fallon, Matt Balkenbusch and wife Nicole of Seattle, Wash. and Anne Portell and husband Dustin of St. Louis; grandchildren, Andrew, Evan, Brady, William, Claire, Ila, Arya, Lyanna and Eleanor; brother, Gary Balkenbusch and wife Nancy of St. Louis; sisters, Mary Joyce Stevenson and husband Gary of Osage Beach, Lori Balkenbusch of St. Charles, Sharon O’Sullivan and husband Mike of Jefferson City and Lisa Tihen and husband Scott of St. Peters; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held from 3 until 7 p.m., Friday, March 7, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 8, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn with Rev. Colin Franklin officiating.
Interment will be at St. George Parish Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorial contributions suggested to the State Tech Ken Balkenbusch Memorial Scholarship for the Heavy Equipment Operations program. The link to donate is https://statetechmo.edu/alumni-services/donate-to-state-tech/, please type Ken Balkenbusch Memorial Scholarship in the Gift Designation box or donations can also be made at any Legends Bank location.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
