Lawrence R. Balster

Lawrence R. “Larry” Balster, age 80 of St. Henry, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Mercy Health, St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

Larry was born December 8, 1945, in Carthagena to the late Joseph and Clara (Kremer) Balster. On September 30, 1967, he married Patricia (Romer) Balster. Larry and Pat were married for 58 joyful and loving years. Pat still resides at their home in St. Henry.

Surviving family members include four of their children and their spouses: Debora and Steven Roth of Kettering, Douglas and Lois Balster of Redwood City, CA, Gregory and Noel Balster of Liberty Township, and Matthew and Jean Balster of Horseheads, NY, and a son-in-law, Mark Imel of St. Henry.

The extended family includes 16 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, two sisters, Mary Phlipot and Clara Walter, as well as in-laws, Janice Berning and Allen and Jan Romer.

Larry was preceded in death by a daughter, Angela Imel, as well as siblings and in-laws: Walt and Marilyn Balster, Richard and Alice Balster, Esther and Jim Moeller, Conrad Phlipot, John Walter, and Bob Berning, and his father- and mother-in-law, Ben and Esther Romer.

Larry lived a faith-filled life. He grew up in Coldwater and graduated from Coldwater High School in 1964, then went on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. Following his time in the military, Larry and Pat moved back to Ohio and soon after made their home in St. Henry to raise their children. With his wife, Larry purchased the St. Henry Hardware Store from his father-in-law and grew the business into the St. Henry True Value Hardware and Furniture, including interior design. They owned and operated the business with pride for 34 years. After retiring from the business, Larry and Pat traveled the country delivering motorhomes. Their passion for traveling took them to all 50 US states, four provinces of Canada, and to parts of Europe, Africa, and South America.

Larry loved St. Henry and as an avid sports fan, was an enthusiastic supporter of the local high school teams. He was an active member in the St. Henry Church, the American Legion, and a member of the St. Henry Knights of Columbus, the Commercial Club and the Community Club. Larry enjoyed playing cards and had a gift for connecting with people. He developed friendships wherever he went. Above all else, Larry valued his faith and his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at St. Henry Catholic Church in St. Henry. A live stream of the Mass can be found at https://www.sainthenryparish.org/livestream. Following the funeral mass, burial will take place in St. Henry Cemetery. Friends may call from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, June 15, and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 16, at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry. Condolences for the family may be expressed in person or online at hogenkampfh.com.