Grace Balzum, age 91, of Ada, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023, at the Benedictine Living Community of Ada in Ada, Minnesota.

Grace Eileen, the daughter of John and Mabel (Rude) Jacobson, was born on November 15, 1931, in the country near Nielsville, MN.  She was raised near Pleasant View Township, living with her parents and five siblings. As a child, Grace loved living in the country and dreamed of becoming a teacher like her eldest sister, Esther. She spent eight years attending country school and then started at Ada High School, graduating with the class of 1949.  Later that same year, on October 30th, 1949, Grace married the love of her life, DeWayne Balzum.  After losing their first-born son at birth, they were blessed with a daughter, Janie, and a son, Greg. While raising her children, Grace spent many years working at the telephone company and for a time at Engelhardt Drugstore.  Grace played an instrumental role in the opening of American Federal Bank in Ada, where she worked for many years.  In August of 1970, Grace and DeWayne lost their daughter Janie after a long battle with Lupus.  DeWayne passed away due to injuries from an auto accident in 1988.  Although she faced these hardships, she had her son, Greg, Cindy, and grandchildren to walk closely by her side, helping to heal the heartbreak and bring peace and happiness to her life.  Grace transitioned to selling insurance with Thrivent for several years where she enjoyed meeting new people and developing strong, lasting relationships. She continued to work alongside her son as a bookkeeper for his business, Balzum Construction, until her retirement.

Grace adored her family and cherished each and every one of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Having the pleasure of living close by, she was able to develop very close bonds with each and every one of them.  Grace treasured all of her special relationships.  She was always ready for a playful game of Bridge or rummy, as long as her rules were followed, and she ultimately won.  She was blessed with dear friends with whom she attended a regular Study Club.  She also held her church family at Grace Lutheran Church in Ada close to her heart. She enjoyed serving at the church and participating in bible studies there. Grace had an eye for antiques, and in earlier years, she and DeWayne enjoyed going to auctions where they met many special friends. A day of shopping and dinner at the Olive Garden with her grandchildren was another perfect way for her to pass time.  Growing up in a musical family, Grace loved music. She was a talented musician, playing both the accordion and organ. She was fond of entertaining and was a gracious hostess. She especially liked using her fine china and candles to set a beautiful table for all of her guests. Simply being herself, Grace radiated poise, etiquette, and style of a true lady.  She also had a gift for conversation and an understanding ear. Her smile, humor, and generous spirit was widely known, and Grace's legacy of faith and love will long live on through her family and friends.

Grace is survived by her son, Greg (Cindy) of Ada; grandchildren: Sarah (Eric) Smart of Ada, Kelsey (Josh) Zieske of Ada, Tracy (Tyler) Church of Wadena, Courtney (Micheal) Perrion of Sioux Falls, SD, Brady (Alex) Balzum of West Fargo, ND, and Blake (AJ Williams) Balzum of St. Louis Park, MN; 17 great grandchildren: Madison, Meredith, Morgan, Robert (Brianna), Makayla, Olivia, Hudson, Anna, Peyton, Samuel, Abigail, Emma, Nora, Marley, Scarlett, Beau and Magnolia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, DeWayne; infant son; her daughter, Janie; sisters: Esther, Darlene, and Rozella; and brothers, Raymond and Alvin.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 2:00pm, with a visitation 1 hour prior, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Ada, Minnesota. Burial will be at the Ada City Cemetery.