Steven Glen Balkema

Steven Glen Balkema, 75, of Lampasas, Texas, passed away at home on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Steve was born on November 4, 1950, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Glen E. Balkema and A. Rosalie Redding. He was born and raised in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Steve graduated from the School of Business of Fort Wayne, Indiana, with a master's degree in accounting. He went on to work as a long-haul truck driver before retiring in 2021. Steve married Mary on June 1, 1984, in Burnet, Texas. Together, they worked hard to build a life filled with love, family, and the enjoyment of sharing their many hobbies. From cooking in the kitchen to spending time outdoors and traveling, Steve found joy in making memories with those he loved. Known for his generosity and kind heart, Steve was well respected and loved by all who knew him. His creativity and curiosity led him to enjoy many hobbies throughout his life, including photography, woodworking, carpentry, cooking, baking, stained glass, and bird-watching. He especially enjoyed watching birds from the wooden swing hanging from the porch of his workshop. Steve is survived by his beloved spouse, Mary; his daughters, Stephanie (Chris) and Heather and her husband, Anthony; and son, Arthur Sanchez Jr. of Lampasas, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Evan and his wife, Anna, Ethan, Nadia, Genesis, Addison, Caden, Audrey, Lydia, Trey, Marlena, Alisha, Delaney, and Jordyn; and his great-grandchildren, Justice, Charity, Evangeline, Madden, Austin, Easton, Nathan, Noah, Danny, Tony, and Blair. Steve is also survived by his sister, Diane Jones and her husband, Kendall, of West Lafayette, Indiana; nephew Jason Hanthorn (Tim Franco) of Williamsport, Indiana; niece Melissa Santz (Jeff) of St. Louis, Missouri; nephew Jared Jones (Cameron) of Washougal, Washington; and great-nieces Sophie and Evie, along with many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen E. Balkema and A. Rosalie Redding; his brother, Norman Balkema; and his son, Eddie. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative.

Steven Glen Balkema

November 4, 1950 - August 29, 2026