Elaine Balke, age 90, of Appleton, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Brewster Village in Appleton.  She was born to the late Raymond and Sadonia "Sadie" (Fuhrman) Hull on June 12, 1933.  Elaine married the love of her life Eugene Balke on March 8, 1952.   She was a member of the League of Women Voters, supported Planned Parenthood, as well as many politics in the Menasha area.  Elaine enjoyed machine knitting, sewing, and rosemaling.  She loved spending time in her garden as well as spending time in nature on her 40 acres watching birds.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 71 years, Eugene; her children Mark Balke, Pamela (Bradley) Vander Linden, and Todd (Donna) Balke; her grandchildren: Lauren, Mike, Ayron (CC), Ian (Emmylou), Nathan (Claudia), Todd "TJ", and Shawn (partner Ashley); great grandchildren: Alex, Will, Jaz, Eden, Isla, Ruby, Maxwell, Sylas, Ezra, and Allysa; as well as other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents; brother Marlin; and granddaughter Danielle.

Per Elaine's wishes, no formal services will be held.  In memory of Elaine, the family asks donations be made to Planned Parenthood at: https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/onlineactions/2U7UN1iNhESWUfDs4gDPNg2?sourceid=1000063 and to World Central Kitchen at: https://donate.wck.org/give/499865/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=navbar