Merline Joyce (Balke) Menart

Merline Joyce Menart, age 76, of Biwabik and formerly of Hutter, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024 at New Journey Residence in Biwabik, Minnesota.

Merline was born on June 20, 1947 to Mervin and Minerva (Koski) Balke in Virginia, Minnesota.

She graduated from Cook High School; and later graduated from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Merline went on to work as a social worker because she loved to help and take care of others.

Merline was united in marriage to Stephen Menart on March 12, 1987 in Duluth, Minnesota.

She enjoyed being a blacksmith helper, entomology, collecting turtle figurines, and being an avid reader.

Merline was most known for her friendly and very helpful personality, her love of laughter and joking around, her cleverness, catching and playing with snakes, frogs, and turtles.

Merline was preceded in death by her parents, Mervin and Minerva (Koski) Balke; and daughter, Nyangu Kawamba.

Merline is survived by her husband of many years, Stephen Menart; son, Marten Menart; brothers: Greg Balke and Keith Balke; and sister, Maxine Poldoski.

A Funeral Service for Merline will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Woodlands Bible Church in Eveleth at 11 A.M. with the visitation being held one hour prior. Pastor Nathan Shaulis will be officiating. A luncheon will follow the service, turkey and ham will be served as the main dish. Family and friends are welcome to bring dishes of their own. Interment will be at a later date.

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