Phyllis I. Balkum

Phyllis Irene Balkum, 96, of Norway, passed away Friday, April 22, 2016 at Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community. She was born in St. Neots, England, the daughter of the late Ben and Alice (Stratton) Dickinson, in August of 1919. She meet her husband Benjamin Balkum while he was stationed in England during World War II. The couple was married in 1943 in England. Phyllis moved to the United States as a war bride in 1945, but never lost her pride in maintaining her British subject. The couple lived in Sault Ste. Marie, before moving to Norway in 1964. He preceded her in death in 2003. Phyllis loved being surrounded by her large family and hosting them for the holidays. She also enjoyed socializing over a good spot of tea and Kismet, long walks to the park, sweets, babies, and playing Bingo and other games with her grandchildren. She liked keeping a clean house, feeding the birds on the deck, and people watching. She carried an air of independence by refusing to learn to drive and insisting on living walking distance to a church, school, and grocery store. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and wit. Phyllis was preceded in death by a daughter Barbara McKay, three grandsons Dennie McKay, Cale Jacobsen, and Benjamin Joseph Balkum, a son-in-law George Twardzik, and many brothers and sisters. She is survived by four sons Benjamin (Song) Balkum of Iron Mountain, Dennis Balkum of Pembine, Maurice "Moe" (Jean) Balkum of Wilmington, DE, and Raymond (Sue) Balkum of Iron Mountain, six daughters Phyllis Twardzik of Vulcan, Pamela (Ed) Jacobsen of Lanesville, IN, Shirley Perry of Mountain View, MO, Gloria "JoJo"Sauld of Norway, Monica (Randy) Wagner of Pulaski, and Sandra (Byron) DallaValle of Barlett, TN, a special niece Lamay (Dennis) McKay of Placerville, CA, special family friends Julie (Jim) Skrowonek, and John and Caat Taylor, 34 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews in England and the U.S. Visitation will be Tuesday from 11am-1pm at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Norway. Funeral services will follow at 1pm at the church on Tuesday. Rev. Jim Danielson will officiate. Burial will be in the Norway Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. Condolences to the family of Phyllis Balkum can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Phyllis I. Balkum

August 10, 1919 - April 23, 2016