Katherine Balsen

Katherine D. Balsen, 71, Chicago, IL and formerly of Grand Forks, ND died Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in Chicago. Katherine D. Larsen was born October 21, 1937 in Grand Forks, ND, the daughter of Charles and Agnes (Johnson) Larsen. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church of Grand Forks and graduated from Central High School in 1955. Katherine attended school at UND then began working in the UND Pathology Lab. She became a Certified Histotechnician through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists specializing in Electron Microscopy. Katherine moved to Chicago, IL in 1957 to work for the Hektoen Institute and later worked for the Pathology Department of the University of Chicago. Katherine retired and came to Grand Forks to care for her father but maintained her residency in Chicago. Katherine's entire life was centered around her strong faith in Jesus Christ and his promise of eternal life. She was active with Stonecroft Ministries, a member of 4th Presbyterian Church and also attended Willow Creek Church of Chicago. When in Grand Forks Katherine attended University Lutheran Church. Katherine married Raymond Balsen in 1971 in Chicago. He died February 21, 1987. Survivors include her brothers, Dennis C. Larsen, Crookston, MN, Donald F. (Patricia) Larsen, Grand Forks and Gerald C. (Eunice) Larsen, Janesville, WI; nieces and nephews, David Larsen, Sandra Butkowski, Jon Larsen, Scott Larsen, Gregory Larsen, Michael Larsen and Susan Waller; several grand nieces and nephews. Katherine was a friend to everyone she came in contact with and will be missed by all. Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her parents; brother, Gordon , a nephew, Dale Larsen and grand nephews, David Larsen and Joshua Larsen.