Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Jack Balcombe Obituary
Lorimor - Jack Balcombe, 73, died Saturday, December 30, 2017, at his home.
A memorial gathering with family present to receive friends will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset. Private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Drake University's Preforming Arts or the Tallgrass Theater Company. Online condolences can be left for his family at ochiltree.com.
Jack Kingswood Balcombe, Jr., son of Jack, Sr. and Alice (Bartell) Balcombe, was born February 16, 1944, in Ellis, Kansas. He graduated from Ellis High School and went on to attend and graduate from the University of Chicago.
Jack worked as a psychologist in Chicago following graduation from college. It was during this time that he met his wife, Sarah Frank. The couple were married in February of 1977 and that same year purchased a farm north of Lorimor. Once in Iowa, Jack farmed and worked as a social worker at nursing homes in Creston and Afton.
Jack was not one to join formal groups but did very much enjoy art, music and live theater. Above all else, Jack was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved his family and cherished the times he could spend with them.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sarah Frank of Lorimor, two daughters, Jessica Frank of Iowa City; Suzanne Frank of Waterloo; a grandson, Taylor Bergstrom of Brooklyn, NY; a sister, Joan Balcombe (Bonnie Stephens) of Ogden, UT, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother and sister-in-law, Douglas (Margaret) Balcombe.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Jay Davidson
June 25, 2018
Margie and I enjoyed visiting with Jack at Drake fine arts events. We are very sorry to hear of his death. Condolences to Sarah and the rest of the family. Jack will indeed be missed.
Jeanne Schoech
February 21, 2018
We were classmate in Ellis, KS (K-12). I valued knowing Jack - liked and respected him. Our Senior play was Antigone and what grand time we had playing in that tragedy. I think Jack may have been the only cast member who actually knew the story and how to pronounce "Antigone." :-) His dry sense of humor got us all through a challenging "gig." Many good memories and many thoughts to his family and friends. Sorry this message isn't timely. I just learned of his death.
January 5, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Todd Buchacker
January 3, 2018
Oh my, with a heavy heavy heart I write this note. Sarah Frank and family, may all our thoughts and prayers be with you and comfort you through the next days, weeks, months and years. Jack you were a one of a kind amazing man. No greater supporter of the Arts have I met. You and Sarah's ability to see everything amazes me still. Jack you were a smart man and understood many things others didn't. Thank you for your opinions, conversations, arguments and support even when times were tough. God bless.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Preshia Paulding
January 3, 2018
What a wonderful man...heart and soul. Kind and supportive...a true gem.
Kyle Bochart
January 3, 2018
Jack was a friendly, supportive, intelligent man. His was the face I always looked forward to seeing at shows. I'll miss his handshake and his insight.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
1823 N. John Wayne Dr., Winterset, IA 50273
Make a Donation
in Jack Balcombe's name
How to support Jack's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jack Balcombe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
