Steven Arthur Balaun, 69, passed away Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. He was born Nov. 11, 1950 to Donald Eugene and Norma Lea (Cochran) Balaun at Asbury Hospital, Salina. Steven met his wife, Jane Marie Opat, in Lindsborg, and they were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Salina, July 15, 1977.
Steven attended Magnolia Country School, Grace E. Stewart Grade School, and South Middle School. He then graduated from the first class at South East of Saline High School. After graduating, he attended Bethany College, majoring in Music, with the intent of becoming a music teacher. Steven played all the brass instruments and specialized in the Euphonium and the Trombone. His studies were interrupted by a motorcycle accident that led him to become an electronics technician. He received a degree with a First Class FCC Endorsement from Salina Area Vo-Tech. He was employed as an electronics technician at Communications Service Company. He also worked as a part time police officer for the City of Lindsborg and a Reservist on the Saline County Sheriff’s Department. Steven was the founder and owner of Mid-Kansas Tool Repair until he sold the business and focused on farming full time, which he continued to do until his death. Steven served as Finance Chair at the Mentor United Methodist Church for 13 years where he also sang in the church choir. Steven and his family were named “Farm Family of the Year” in 2001 by the Saline County Farm Bureau.
He is survived by: his wife, Jane, of the home; twin daughters, Jenny R. Balaun of Salina, and Courtney D. Balaun (fiancé Eric) of Augusta; sister, Katherine Lysell (Larry) of Overland Park; uncle, James Balaun (Carol) of Cleveland, Ga.A; aunt, Hazel Ranney of Solomon; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with family receiving friends 6-8 p.m.
Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Roselawn Memorial Park. A Celebration of Steven’s life will follow at 11 a.m. at Mentor United Methodist Church, Mentor, with Rev. Susan Murithi officiating.
Memorial contributions to: Mentor United Methodist Church, or St. Jude’s Children Hospital, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, KS 67401.