Linnay Ruth Balk

Linnay Balk, 82, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Linnay was born in Holland, Michigan, on January 2, 1943, to Gerrit and Cornelia (Van Gorp) DeLeeuw. She graduated from Holland Christian High School, and attended Hope College. She married Paul Steigenga and they were raising their three children in Holland. Paul died suddenly in 1981. Linnay went back and completed nursing school at Grand Rapids Community College. Linnay married Rev. Carl Balk in 1982. Carl was serving at Community Reformed Church. Linnay and Carl and family moved shortly after to Byron Center to Corinth Reformed Church. Carl and Linnay retired after serving at his last pastoral charge at Rose Park Reformed in Holland. While Carl was serving as a pastor, Linnay was serving as a nurse for 25 years at G.R. Spectrum Hospitals before their retirement. When they retired, they became members of Fellowship Reformed Church of Holland. Linnay was also preceded in death by her daughter Lisa Knooihuizen in 2020, and her husband Carl Balk in 2023. Linnay was a talented athlete and enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling, and later enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren's athletic endeavors. Linnay was a Dutch Dancer and enjoyed Dutch Dancing with her daughter Lisa. Carl and Linnay traveled extensively and enjoyed many trips all around the world. Linnay is survived by her children and grandchildren: Tom and Susan Steigenga (Tyler, Kyle) of Holland, Matt and Allison Steigenga (Collette, Colton, Preston) of East Lansing, son-in-law James Knooihuizen of Holland, sister Barbara (Gordon) Veeneman, in-laws: Hazel Steigenga Smith, Dan and LaRae Steigenga, Sally and Bruce DeWit, Andy Stellingwerf, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland MI 49423. Visitation will be 5:00-7:30 PM, Wednesday, at the funeral home and also 11:00-11:45 am Thursday prior to the funeral. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. www.langelandsterenberg.com

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Linnay Ruth Balk

January 2, 1943 - April 19, 2025