Jerry L. Balsman, 76, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his home in Jackson.
He was born Dec. 20, 1949, in Chester, to Cletus and Elinor Winschel Balsman.
He was a graduate of Berkeley High School in St. Louis and attended Missouri State University in Springfield.
He and Diana Wibbenmeyer were married May 7, 1977, at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Perryville.
Jerry was a sales representative, working many years for Safety Kleen in Cape Girardeau and Glazer’s in Scott City, and was a delivery driver for Winnelson in Cape Girardeau. He was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Bishop Timon Knights of Columbus, both in Jackson. Jerry’s family was first and foremost in his life. He especially loved attending his grandchildren’s ball games and special events.
He liked fishing, camping, bike riding and following sports — especially the Jackson Indians and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
To cherish his memory, Jerry leaves his wife of nearly 49 years, Diana Balsman of Jackson; sons, Jeremy (Erica) Balsman of Arnold and Brent (Allison) Balsman of Jackson; eight grandchildren, Paige, Brooke, Lydia, Madilyn, Gwen, Eden, Cora and Emmett; siblings, Betty Jean Adams of Naples, Florida, and Larry (late Faye) Balsman of St. Louis; and several nieces and nephews.
Diana’s surviving family includes her siblings, Doris (Jim) Rehkop of Perryville, Larry (Victoria) Wibbenmeyer of Ste. Genevieve, Linda Wibbenmeyer of Perryville, Jane (late Etson) Steele of Cape Girardeau, and Faye (Steve) Bohnert of Perryville; a brother-in-law, Gary (late Sharon) West of Cape Girardeau; and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Glenda Huggins; Diana’s family: her parents, Anton and Merle Emmendorfer Wibbenmeyer; and siblings, Sharon West and Wayne Wibbenmeyer.
Visitation is from 4 to 7:45 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.
The Knights of Bishop Timon Council will lead the rosary at 7:45 p.m. Father Randolph Tochtrop will celebrate the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson.
Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.
If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests the Immaculate Conception Capital Campaign.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by scrolling to the guestbook beneath Jerry’s obituary article at mccombsfuneralhome. com.
