Obituary of Elsie W. Balabas

Elsie (Wegner) Balabas died Thursday, February 2, 2023, at her sister's home in North Brunswick. She was 101 years old. She was born in Gross-Malsau, West Prussia, Germany to the late Albert and Selma Wilkes Wegner. She came to New Jersey in 1922 and settled in New Brunswick. The family moved to Franklin Park where they operated Wegner's Dairy Farm. Elsie never met a stranger and went out of her way to befriend anyone that needed help. She was a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Brunswick and most recently was a faithful member of Six Mile Run Reformed Church for many years. She volunteered extensively with the church, helping with the flea markets and annual Christmas bazaars. Elsie graduated from New Brunswick High School. She was a member of the New Brunswick Turnverein Gymnastics Club and performed at the 1939 World's Fair in New York. During her 101 years, she performed many volunteer positions. She was a member of the North Brunswick Republican Club, a Middlesex County Committee Woman, and Chairman for the Republican Woman's Club of North Brunswick. She was also an active member of the Franklin Park Fire Company Auxiliary Women's Club, Grange #7 and the North Brunswick Pioneers. Elsie Worked for the North Brunswick school system in the cafeteria while her children were in school. After, she and her husband, Louis, opened Stewart's Root Beer on Highway 27 in Franklin Park where they served the community for many years. After their retirement, they bought a motorhome and traveled extensively throughout the United States. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Louis F. Balabas; her brother Otto Wegner; and nephew Gary Wegner. Elsie is survived by her children - Ronald Balabas of North Brunswick and Linda Chrestman and her husband Kevin of North Carolina; grandchildren - Ronald Balabas Jr. of California and Shawn Balabas and his wife Lisa of Tennessee; great grandchildren - William Balabas of Tennessee, Dillon and Shasta Balabas and great great grandson Sasuke Balabas of California. Also surviving is her sister Emmy Ricci of North Brunswick; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nephews and nieces and great great nephews and nieces. Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Six Mile Run Reformed Church, 3037 Highway 27, Franklin Park followed by an 11:00 AM Funeral Service at the church. Private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Six Mile Run Reformed Church, Franklin Park, NJ and RWJ Visiting Nurses, c/o Philanthropy Dept., 23 Main St., Suite D1, Holmdel, NJ 07733. Arrangements are under the direction of Selover Funeral Home. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the loving care she received from all the staff at Parker Adult Day Care and Wilf Transportation, all the angels at RWJ Hospice as well as her private caregiver Tia, whose love and care were amazing. Also Robyn, who couldn't do enough for Elsie and her family.