Eleanor Rose Hartmann Balk

Eleanor Rose Hartmann Balk, age 88, of Huntsville, AL, was born in St. Louis, MO. The eldest of 6 girls, Eleanor grew up on Texas Avenue in St. Louis, attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and was a 1954 graduate of St. Frances de Sales High School.

Eleanor met her handsome airman on a blind date in 1953, often telling her family that it was love at first sight. This beautiful couple went on to have 10 children, 9 of whom were blessed to see their mother through her final years. Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Robert ‘Bob’ Frederick Balk; son Kevin Michael; parents Eleanor and Andrew Hartmann; sisters Ann Mormino and Kathy Mendonca.

The young couple’s life began in Detroit, MI, where Eleanor motivated Bob to dream big, leading him to acquire an engineering opportunity with IBM. This opportunity took their family to Kansas City, MO, and Rome, NY, before settling in Huntsville for the next 58 years. Eleanor worked at home until the youngest began school. With a vast amount of energy and always looking to be productive, she earned a sales position at the new Parisian department store in Parkway City Mall. Eleanor proved that hiring a mom of 9 meant you have an employee who knows how to efficiently accomplish every task. She was a Parisian favorite, earning many top sales awards in her 32 years as an associate before retiring at the age of 74.After retirement she enjoyed tending her garden and spending time with family.

We will remember our mother as a pillar of strength, a diligent worker and a great motivator. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and they too loved her dearly. We feel a great loss at her passing, but we know that she and our father will live on through stories shared for generations.

Eleanor Rose Hartmann Balk is survived by her sons Andrew of Atlanta, GA, Thomas (Janet) of Cambria, CA, Steven (Erika) of Wake Forest, NC; Daughters Kathryn Bradley (Paul) of Winchester, KY, Susan Coody (Bruce) of Chelsea, AL, Denise Darnell (Greg) of Pelham, AL, Karen Stuckey (Derrick) of Huntsville, AL, Laura Guin (John) of Echola, AL, and Dr. Sandra Martin (Bo) of Mountain Brook, AL; 26 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren;sisters Geraldine McClenahan, Mary Ellen Markle (Charles), and Jean Blecha.

We are grateful for the great care provided by Monark Grove Greystone and grateful for the comforting hospice services provided by Amedisys Home Health of Tuscaloosa.

A private family service will be held graveside at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, AL.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity.