Gordon Michael Balfe

Obituary of Gordon Michael Balfe

Gordy the mailman, the dad, grand dad, great granddad, master of common sense, friend and lover of food passed away in his sleep on August 13, 2025.He was active and living alone up to the end. He had driven the night before to the Dairy Queen to get himself a chocolate shake and he left this world much like he ended phone calls, very abruptly.

Born April 11, 1931 in Kilkenny, MN to Hattie (Born) and Michael James Balfe. He was the fourth child out of five and spent his entire youth in Kilkenny during the depression. His strong values, of family, helping others, and appreciating what you have, all began there and continued on during his entire well spent life.

He married Jacquelyn (Miller) in 1952 and he was drafted into the USMC during the Korean Conflict. He joked with his family that the armistice was signed while he was en route to Korea because they knew he was coming. He then spent time in Japan and bought a camera.

He worked almost his entire work life at the USPS as a letter carrier out of Minnehaha Station.

Gordy was an extraordinary person. He had a photographic memory and was an entertaining and factual story teller. He was an adventurer and camped with his family. He was involved with his church parish and school. He was a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a caretaker for those who needed caretaking and uniquely never expected anything in return. He never forgot his childhood friends and called them on a regular basis. He had a loud booming voice and laugh. He was extremely funny and an avid euchre player.

Preceded in death by his wife Jacquelyn, his parents, his sisters and brothers, Delores (Weed), Anna Marie (King), Herbert William Balfe, Darlene (Barber), Dewey Balfe. Son-In- Law James Rohde.

Survived by his children: Michael Earl (Nancy), Emily MN, Sue Bednarski (Joe), Mpls., Paula Balfe-Rohde (Jim), Kilkenny MN, Beth Balfe, Mpls, MN, his grand daughters Katelyn Rose Bednarski (Mike Anderson) Mpls., Claire Bednarski Mpls.,nieces and nephews, and the absolute love and joy of his life, Eleanor and Gordy Anderson. His great-grandchildren kept him going as long as he did.

Visitation and Service will be held at St. Albert the Great Church on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Visitation will be at 11:00, service is at noon, and lunch will follow.