Patricia "Patty" Ellen Balfanz

Patricia “Patty” Balfanz, age 60, of Sunrise passed into the arms of God at her home Sunday, June 30, 2019 surrounded by her family after a short battle with cancer.

Patricia Ellen Lapinski was born September 27, 1958 to Joseph and Rosalie (Scott) Lapinski in Rush City, Minnesota. She attended North Branch Area Schools and obtained her GED. In her early years she enjoyed playing softball and spending time with her family and friends. She always loved caring for her nieces and nephews. For many years she was employed at the Rock Creek Motor Stop and Lakes Gas Co. In her later years she enjoyed what she loved most; cooking at the Kaffe Stuga in Harris.

On April 28, 1984, she was wed to David “Smoky” Balfanz of Harris. They made a life together in Sunrise and enjoyed spending time on the river camping, fishing, golfing, bowling, and looking for agates.

Patty is survived by her loving husband of 35 years; “Smoky” Balfanz of Sunrise; son Tim Balfanz of Shoreview; daughter Breanna (Tom) Jensen of Askov; grandson Kenneth Jensen of Askov; her dog "Baby" and cats "Bonnie" and "Clyde"; siblings Sue (Rich) Gieser of Cosmos, Jim Lapinski of Rush City, Cathy Leavitt of Wisconsin, Sandy Lapinski of Excelsior, Colleen Lapinski of Stark; special friend Dory Swanson of Sunrise; many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother Rosalie Stache; father Joseph Lapinski; step-fathers Ralph Gruver and Donald Stache.

Pastor Caroline Harthun-Wooldridge will officiate at funeral services for Patty: 11 AM; Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at First Lutheran Church of Harris. A time for family and friends to gather is planned from 5-8 PM; Monday (6/8/19) at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City and also one hour prior to the service at the church. A fellowship luncheon will be served immediately following the service. The interment will take place in Sunrise Cemetery after the luncheon.

Memorials may be directed to Fairview Hospice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com