Raymond Keith Balkum

Raymond Keith Balkum, 65, of Iron Mountain passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, in the comfort of his own home. Ray was born in Sault Ste. Marie on Dec. 19, 1957, son of the late Benjamin and Phyllis (Dickinson) Balkum. He was a graduate of Norway High School, Class of ’76, and later attended Northern Michigan University. In 1991 Ray was married to Susan Johnson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norway. Ray was proud of his 30-year career with the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, retiring in 2013. Ray will be remembered for his fun-loving personality. He enjoyed watching and playing any and all sports and particularly loved playing golf and watching his favorite teams, the Los Angeles Rams and the Boston Bruins. His natural talent earning him hole-in-ones at Oak Crest and Bombers. Ray loved playing cards and spending time with his family and friends. Ray will be deeply missed by his wife, Sue Balkum; 5 children, William Balkum, Nicole Balkum (Brandon Knopp), Ryan Balkum (Meg Barrett), Megan (Candace) Williams, and Kristian Balkum; 4 grandchildren, Isabella Allen, Riley Balkum, Damian Balkum, and Hailey Balkum; 8 siblings, Pam (Ed) Jacobsen, Benjamin (Song) Balkum, Dennis Balkum, Maurice (Jean) Balkum, Shirley Perry (Dave), Jojo Sauld, Monica Wagner (Randy), and Sandy (Byron) Dalla Valle; his father-in-law, Jim Johnson; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary (Scott) Edwards, Kirsten Johnson, and Robert (Valerie) Johnson; and many other family and friends. In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his son, Ben Balkum; first wife, Tammy Balkum; and 2 sisters, Barbra (Denny) McKay and Phyllis (George) Twardzik; 2 nephews, Cale Jacobsen and Denny McKay; and mother-in-law, Pat Johnson. Visitation will be at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave. from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, 2023, with Rev. Jim Danielson officiating the memorial service at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Condolences to the family of Raymond Keith Balkum may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Raymond Keith Balkum

December 19, 1957 - February 27, 2023