Eleanore "Ellie" Balko

February 25, 1942 - November 23, 2018

Eleanore “Ellie” Balko, 76, of Redwood Falls, died Friday, November 23, 2018 at Sunwood Care Center in Redwood Falls. Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Redwood Falls, with burial at a later date. Visitation will be held Thursday from 9:30 until 11 a.m. all at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls. Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com. Eleanore Louise Balko, the daughter of Ervin J. and Gina C. (Vasend) Brinkman, was born February 25, 1942 of Hill River Township of McIntosh, Minnesota. She graduated from McIntosh High School in 1960. Eleanore married Milo Sandeen and was blessed with 4 children. Eleanore married Richard Balko on April 8, 1983 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church of Redwood Falls, where they made their home. Eleanore sold Fuller Brush and Watkins products for 13 years. Her greatest love was quilting. She made and sold many quilts and was an accomplished quilter. She was active in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Mission Quilters and also donated over 70 quilts to the Redwood Area Cancer Center. Eleanore is survived by her 2 children; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Richard in September 2014, son Greg in 1999, son Dale in 1965; brother’s Jerome, Jim and Elliot Brinkman. Blessed be her memory.