Virgil Leland Balensiefen

Virgil Leland Balensiefen,89, of Princeton formerly of Buda, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025 with his family by his side.

Virgil was born on April 18, 1936 in Henry, IL the son of Floyd and Mildred (Kennedy) Balensiefen. He married Betty G. Wright on January 28, 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tiskilwa. She preceded him in death on October 18, 2009. Virgil was a lifelong farmer in the surrounding area. He also was a longtime member of the Bureau County Farm Bureau and Macon Township Board. He also served on the Soil and Water Conservation board. Virgil was an essential part of starting the Buda Rescue Squad and served in many capacities throughout his life. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and enjoyed golfing. Most of all he cherished spending time on the farm and with his family.

He is survived by his three daughters, Kim (Larry) Hicks of Peoria, Lorie Balensiefen of Buda, Cara Miner of Princeton; one son, Kent (Cheryl) Balensiefen of Buda; seven grandchildren, Travis (Kelsey) DeSplinter of Wyanet, Jordan (Luke) Lanxon of Sheffield, Lauren Hicks of WI, Nicole (Justin) Doty of Sheffield, Blake (Lexi) Balensiefen of Buda and Leanne Smith of Dalzell; nine great grandchildren Brynn & Callie DeSplinter, Sawyer & Cooper Lanxon, Jovi, Jentry & Ridley Doty, Acre & Bauer Balensiefen; two brothers, Robert Balensiefen and Tommy (Donna) Balensiefen; two sisters, Betty Fundell and Sally Donnelly; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, three brothers, Gene, Jerry and Henry Balensiefen, four sisters, Sue Wright, Judy Colyott, Rita Wright and a sister in infancy.

Visitation will be from 4:00pm-7:00pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton with the recitation of the rosary at 3:30pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00am on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at St. Louis Catholic Church with Msgr. James Kruse and Rev. Scott Potthoff co-officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Bunker Hill Cemetery in Buda.

Memorials may be directed to St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton.