In loving memory of

Pauline Balmer
October 7, 1934 - March 27, 2024

Livestream Link to watch Pauline's Funeral Service: https://memoriallutheranchurch.org/2024/04/april-2-pauline-balmer-funeral/





Pauline L. Balmer, 89, of Ames, passed away on March 27, 2024 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames after a short illness. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 9:00-11:00, with a Funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Memorial Lutheran Church (2228 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010). Online condolences can be made to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Pauline Lucille (Lass) Balmer was born on October 7, 1934, in Ogden, Iowa, to parents John and Luella (Seeman) Lass. She grew up on the family farm in rural Ogden and graduated from Ogden High School in 1952. She moved to Ames after high school and was working in the Registrar's office at Iowa State University when she met Dale Balmer, later moving to Des Moines and graduating from Iowa Beauty School in 1954.

Dale and Pauline were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Ogden, Iowa September 5, 1954, establishing their home in Ames. They had three boys, with the youngest, Kevin, dying in infancy in 1965. Pauline was primarily a homemaker; however, she contributed to the family income by babysitting, selling Avon, and then operating the Silhouette Shoppe out of the home before retiring in 1997. She was always active in the Church and had an artistic flair. Knitting prayer shawls for the ill or grieving, and baby blankets for baptisms, were passions to the end.

Pauline was an avid writer, keeping a daily diary and writing letters. With the advent of email she sent out a letter to friends and family every Thursday with an update of the week's events and weather. She was faithful with personally crafted birthday cards, incorporating tatting and art, with a personal message in each one. Children would always get a stick of gum and balloon taped inside, and only rarely did it not arrive on their birthday. She was loved by her family and countless friends.

Left to cherish Pauline's memory is her Husband Dale; children Rick and Ron; grandchildren Tiegan, Aleczandria, and Mariah; great-grandchildren; Aurora and Jayce, siblings Lola Halsband of Des Moines, Caroline Hill of Omaha, and Virgil (Glenda) Lass of Sun City, Ariz.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Kevin; and sister Helen Miller.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Memorial Lutheran Church.

Tributes

Jane (Carlsen) Brandt wrote on Apr 4, 2024:

"I am so very sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. She was a beautiful person. I am so sorry I missed the services, we just returned from az after the loss of my mother in law. My heart goes out to you all. Rick and I found out in high school(?) that we were cousins. So proud to be related to you all. Take care, prayers for you all. Your cousin Jane"

Amy Veteto wrote on Apr 2, 2024:

"Lovely service. Rest in peace Aunt Pauline. Much love, your goddaughter Amy"

CAROL DURAND wrote on Apr 2, 2024:

"We watched that beautiful service & our hearts & prayers go out to Dale & the boys & families. We especially appreciated the slideshow of photos, sure brought back some great memories. Pauline will be missed. With love, Caroline Hill & Carol Durand "

Tim and Carrie Moore wrote on Apr 1, 2024:

"Sending you all our love and sympathy for your loss. May your hearts and minds be filled with the memories, love and joy Pauline brought to your lives. Tim and Carrie Moore "

Betty Gordon wrote on Mar 28, 2024:

"Dale and family, My heartfelt sympathies to each of you on the loss of your wife, mom, and grandma, etc. I enjoyed Pauline over the many decades of our chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia support groups plus primetime. I enjoyed reading how active she was in all types of things she was in. Loved her personality and that huge smile. May God comfort you all now and in the days, months, and years ahead. Betty Gordon, Ames friend"