In loving memory of

Carl Balsar
July 13, 2017

Carl Elzie "Sonny" "Cowboy" Balsar, age 78, of Quincy, died Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 9:16 am in St. Vincent's Home.

Carl was born January 12, 1939 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of John Carl and Frances O'Dear Balsar. He married Wanda Brocksmith on June 2, 1956 in Palmyra, MO. She preceded him in death on September 24, 2013.

Carl began his career at International Shoe Company. Over the years he operated various machines and presses at several companies, including Litterals, Harris Corp., and H&B Quality Tooling. He, along with his wife Wanda, was a long time and vital member of Grace United Methodist Church. He had been head usher and member of the Methodist Men's Group. Carl had served in the United States National Guard. He had also been involved in Boy Scouts of America as a leader. Carl was an avid wood worker who loved horses and his dog, Bobby. Carl loved helping people, and he would help anyone in need.

Survivors include: a daughter, Carolyn Waterkotte of Quincy; a son, Denis (Lisa Hercules) Balsar of Shelbina, MO; two grandchildren: Melissa (Brian) Vahlkamp and Amanda (Michael Baker) Waterkotte, both of Quincy; four great-grandchildren: Lauren, Alec, and Mia Vahlkamp; and Isabella Benner; four sisters: Zola Von "Toady" (Everett) Jackson of Quincy; Karen Denton of Milan, IL; Shirley Schmidt of TN; and Carol Andrews of Peoria, IL.

In addition to his wife, Carl was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary Abitz; his brother, Wesley Wyckoff; and a son-in-law, Thomas Waterkotte.

Services: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Greenmount Cemetery, with Rev. Carol Stufflebeam officiating.

Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois

Visitation: 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home

Memorials: Donor's choice

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

Tributes

cindy hatfield wrote on Jul 18, 2017:

"Sweet carolyn im sorry to here this. Just seen my prayers for you. May GOD watch over you and family its been a few years, but i always think of everyone. Sonny will be with love of his life Wonda, your beautiful mom. Peace be with your family may they RIP."

Steve and Sue Hull wrote on Jul 16, 2017:

"Dear Carolyn, Missy, Amanda and families, Please accept our condolences on the loss of your loved one. While it is never easy to lose someone you love, it is easier than watching them suffer every day with an illness knowing that they will never get better. Rest assured that he is in God's loving arms and you will one day be reunited in Heaven. Please accept God's comfort also as He will help you through your time of sorrow."

Eileen Means wrote on Jul 15, 2017:

"I am so sorry but I am so many miles away. I wish I could be there for you all. It hurts tremendously because I'm not there. But I know my uncle Sonny knows that I am with him. I love you uncle Sonny"

Catherine Brocksmith Smart wrote on Jul 15, 2017:

"Sorry to read of this. You have always had a family I admired and was grateful to be even a little related to. Still miss Bud and Phamie."

Sharron Collins wrote on Jul 14, 2017:

"I felt so blessed to get to know Carl & Wanda when they came to Union unitened Methodist Church when Grace closed, they were wonderful folks and will be missed by us"

Dora Dyer wrote on Jul 14, 2017:

"Sincere sympathy. Carl and Wanda were such a blessing to Grace Church."

Brenda Scharnhorst wrote on Jul 14, 2017:

"I will miss "Cowboy" he was such a kind person."

Cassandra nevins wrote on Jul 14, 2017:

"Carl was a great resident to take care of always had us girls laughing about something. I sure will miss our walks and our talks. RIP cowboy!"

Anita gallaher CNA wrote on Jul 14, 2017:

"I am so sorry for ur loss he was a wonderful man and it has been a pleasure to care for him I've enjoyed every minute with cowboy there is never a dull moment lots of smiles and laughter may you be happy your with ur wife you will be missed and never forgotten love ya cowboy!!"

Anya Dege-Smith wrote on Jul 14, 2017:

"My deepest condolences to his children, family, and friends. He was one of the kindest men I had ever met! Now his smile can shine over all of us!"

Pat howk wrote on Jul 14, 2017:

"Sorry for your loss. It's our loss too at St. Vincent'. He was a wonderful often funny man. He was loved dearly and will be missed immensely. May you always know how wonderful your fathet was and thank you for sharing him with us. God Bless you in the days and months to come."

Eli Ward wrote on Jul 13, 2017:

"I am so thankful Norman and I got to Quincy this past Saturday to visit Carl at St. Francis. Our prayers are for the family. God Bless. Cousin Eli."

Paul Gerding wrote on Jul 13, 2017:

"You have my heart felt sorry with you loss"

Cheryl Herald wrote on Jul 13, 2017:

"I was okay till I seen the picture of Carl. He was a great cousin I will miss him so much"

Vickie Nokes wrote on Jul 13, 2017:

"So sad to hear this. He will be missed by many."