Ernest "Ernie" Joseph Balvik, age 74, of Twin Valley, MN, died suddenly Monday, August 25, 2014, near Twin Valley.


Ernie Balvik was born, along with his twin brother, Ervin, at home near Shelly, MN, on February 4, 1940, to Ole and Elsie (Thompson) Balvik. He grew up and attended school at Shelly, later attending Norman County West High School in Halstad, MN. During the 1950's, Ernie served for two years in the Minnesota National Guard. On July 8, 1967, he was united in marriage to Rose Dessellier at Georgetown, MN. They lived in the country between Ada, MN, and Halstad while Ernie worked at the Halstad Elevator, Viking Snow Mobile in Twin Valley, Ada Discount and later Kel's Car Basher. He then began his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Tri-Excavation based in Ada, until he retired at the age of 62. Ernie and Rose moved to Twin Valley in 1976, where they have continued to make their home. After his retirement in 2002, he started working part time for Norman County and continued his work there until the time of his death.

Throughout his life Ernie enjoyed being around animals and involvement in outdoor activities, especially riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. He was also never far away when any kind of card game was being played, as he loved them all. Ernie loved children and spending time with his family and they will all have memories of his gentle teasing ways. He was a happy man as was evident by the smile that usually lit up his face.

Surviving Ernie is his wife: Rose, Twin Valley; daughter: Heidi Balvik-Townsend, Brainerd, MN; three grandchildren: Cody, Allison and Jasmine; two brothers, Wayne (Arlene), Halstad and Elmer (Gerry), Jamestown, ND; three sisters: Darlene (Tom) Blair in Arizona, Orlinda Voit, Mahnomen, MN, and Emma Kaiser, Halstad; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant brother, Ervin, brother, Ferdien, and his twin brother, Ervin.

A Memorial Service was held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 29, 2014 at St. William Catholic Church, Twin Valley, with a time of gathering one hour prior to the service. Celebrant was Fr. Joe DeCrans with Monica Winter providing special music. Inurnment took place at St. William Catholic Cemetery, Twin Valley.