Irene Josephine Balut, 86, of Willow River, died Wednesday, October 19, 2011 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. She was born July 19, 1925 in Split Rock Township to Anton "Tony" and Eleanor (Filipiak) Gresczyk. Irene was united in marriage to Joseph Balut, Sr. on September 7, 1946 in Willow River. Irene and Joe farmed for 50 years on the family farm in Willow River. Irene was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Willow River as well as the CCW. She enjoyed gardening, needlework, puzzles, making homemade jelly that everyone loved and especially spending time with her grandkids.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents; 2 sons, Eugene Balut, Sr. and Dean Balut; granddaughter, April Balut; 3 sisters, Veronica Taylor, Barbara Gresczyk and Mary Ann Gresczyk; 1 brother, Tony Gresczyk, Jr.

Irene is survived by 4 sons, David (Kristy) Balut, Sr. of Willow River, Richard (Cindy) Balut, Sr. of Willow River, Bernard (Jackie Kwapick) Balut of Willow River and Joseph L. (Becky) Balut, Jr. of Lindstrom; 2 daughters, Janell (Frank) Ketchmark of Sturgeon Lake and Bernadette (Nels Jessen) Balut of St. Michael; grandchildren, Kevin Ketchmark, Melissa McKay, Eugene Balut, Jr., Thomas Balut, Scott Balut, Lance Balut, David Balut, Jr., Theresa Strand, Richard Balut, Jr., Tarra Ludford, Tracy Balut, Travis Balut, Joseph Balut, III and Ellen Balut; great grandchildren, Amber Ketchmark, Gabrielle McKay, Nora Balut, Erika Balut, Kayleigh Balut, Alex Balut, Adam Balut, Hannah Balut, Grace Balut, Abigayle Strand, Tessa Strand, Richard Balut, III, Madilyn Balut, Leland Ludford and Makayla Balut; 1 great great grandchild, Blaze Burbal; 1 brother, Clem Gresczyk of Grand Marais; 2 sisters, Martha Wallace of Woodbury and Gertie Maniak of Kettle River; many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was on Friday, October 21, from 5 to 7 PM with a Rosary Service at 6:30 PM in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and continued on Saturday, October 22, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in St. Mary's Hall, Willow River with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Willow River. Interment was in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Willow River. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.