Ione Balstad, age 89 of Fosston, MN, died on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at First Care Medical Services in Fosston.

Ione Marie Geldaker was born on August 15, 1919 to Theodore and Bertha (Hustad) Geldaker in Alexandria, MN. As a young child she grew up in Winger, MN and was baptized and confirmed at Dovre Lutheran Church. Ione attended school at Winger and McIntosh, where she graduated. During World War II, Ione moved to Muskegon, Michigan where she worked at Anaconda Wire. Following her time in Michigan she moved to Minneapolis, MN and became a Nanny. In 1944 she moved back to Winger and operated the Sioux Café – where she began her courtship with Harold.

On July 3, 1945 Ione and Harold Oliver Balstad were married in Winger. Following their union they built a home in Sletten Township on the Henry and Olga Balstad Farm. There, they had three boys: Harold Jr. "Sonnie", John and Mark. Ione lived on the farm until November of 2007. After a brief illness she moved to Prairie Pines Assisted Living in Fosston where she has since resided.

Over the years Ione enjoyed rosemaling and working with ceramics. During the summer months Ione and her daughter in-law, Alice, spent their spare time tending to their garden. Ione cherished her family and loved the many hours they spent together. As a lifelong member of Dovre Free Lutheran Church, Ione was also a member of the Ladies Aid.

Ione is lovingly survived by three sons: Harold Jr. (Alice) Balstad, John (Sandy) Balstad and Mark (Kay) Balstad, all of Fosston; eight grandchildren: Matthew, Luke, Katherine (Zac), Sterling (Tessa), Andrea (Charlie), Jill (Tim), Beth and Nathan and seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Theodore "Shorty" (Karen) Geldaker, Muskegon, MI; two sisters: Beatrice Balstad, Fosston and Frances Syrdal, Dekator, AL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; parents; two brothers, Kenneth and William "Billy"; and one sister, Alice Mae.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Dovre Lutheran Church in Winger. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. all at the church. Interment will be at Bethel Cemetery, Winger.