Kenneth "Kenny" John Balkenbusch

Donation LinkKenneth “Ken” John Balkenbusch, age 76, of Linn, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia. 

Ken was born on August 17, 1948, in Jefferson City to Albert and Rosalie “Rose” (Keilholz) Balkenbusch. His mother survives in Linn.

Ken was a 1966 graduate from Linn High School and then attended Linn Technical College, getting his technical degree in Electronics. 

On September 11, 1971, he was united in marriage to Carol Stegeman at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos. She survives in Linn. 

Ken joined the Army Reserve to begin his military career in 1968. For 38 years, he served with honor in the U.S. Army National Guard, retiring as a Sergeant Major. His unwavering commitment and strong will earned him the trust and respect of those he served alongside. He remained active in the American Legion after his service concluded.

As well as serving in the National Guard, Ken made a career as a skilled heavy equipment operator, building upon his dad’s legacy and taking over Balkenbusch Excavating in 1972. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ken became an Honorary Member of the Missouri Land Improvement Contractors of America (MLICA). 

Ken's contribution to its Convention/Education Committee echoes his personal belief in education. In 1980, Ken teamed up with Joe Muenks and approached Linn Technical College (now the State Technical College of Missouri) to establish a Heavy Equipment Operators School. They started the school in a Quonset hut with a dirt floor where Ken began his 28-year teaching career. Later, he served on the advisory council for the Heavy Equipment Operations program, providing guidance on its curriculum and industry-required skills, keeping the program relevant and fostering a future generation of skilled operators.

When he wasn’t on the job or at the college, Ken could often be found on his farm tending to his cattle. His love of being outdoors and his strong work ethic were emblematic of his daily life.  As a devout Catholic, his faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him through both challenges and triumphs. His active participation in Knights of Columbus, as a 4th degree Knight, made him a well-known and respected figure to many.

In addition to his mother, Rose Balkenbusch and his wife of 53 years, Carol Balkenbusch, Ken is survived by: his children, Kim Grega (Jim Meyer) of Columbia, Jeff (Janna) Balkenbusch of O’Fallon, Matt (Nicole) Balkenbusch of Seattle, WA and Anne (Dustin) Portell of St. Louis; his nine grandchildren, Andrew, Evan, Brady, William, Claire, Ila, Arya, Lyanna, and Eleanor; one brother, Gary (Nancy) Balkenbusch of St. Louis; four sisters, Mary Joyce (Gary) Stevenson of Osage Beach, Lori Balkenbusch of St. Charles, Sharon (Mike) O’Sullivan of Jefferson City and Lisa (Scott) Tihen of St. Peters along with many nieces, nephews and friends. 

In addition to his father, Albert Balkenbusch, Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Diana Balkenbusch. 

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn. An additional visitation will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church in Linn.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn with Rev. Colin Franklin as the Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. George Parish Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the State Tech Ken Balkenbusch Memorial Scholarship for the Heavy Equipment Operations program.  Please type Ken Balkenbusch Memorial Scholarship in the Gift Designation box or donations can also be made at any Legends Bank location.

https://statetechmo.edu/alumni-services/donate-to-state-tech