Frederick Earl Balagna

Frederick Earl Balagna, 91 of Farmington, IL, passed away at 12:12 PM on Saturday November 21, 2020 at Courtyard Estates of Farmington.

He was born on May 7, 1929, at the family home in Farmington to Charles Sr. and Alice (Ashton) Balagna. He married Mary Louise Savill on September 20, 1953 in Canton, IL; she preceded him in death in 1980. He married Harriet (Wilkinson) Clauson on February 13, 2001 in Farmington; she survives.

Also surviving are his four children with Mary Lou, Kathy (Mike) Connor of Amarillo, Texas, Crystal (Darrel) Gomes of Farmington, Kenny (Sherill) Balagna of Farmington, and Keith (Cindy) Balagna of Farmington; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; one sister, Jean Riccioni of Farmington; one brother, Chuck (Joyce) Balagna of Farmington; and one sister-in-law, Shirley Hogan of Springfield, OH. He was preceded in death by one brother, Delbert Balagna, and three sisters, Threasa Sprague, Bea Jacobus, and Charlotte Davison.

Fred graduated from Farmington High School in 1947 where he was a member of the 1946 undefeated football team which was inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. He served as a mechanic in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was involved in many community projects and served on the Farmington School Board. Fred was a member of Calvary Temple Assembly of God in Peoria, IL, the Farmington Moose Lodge, and the American Legion Post 140.

Fred was the owner/operator of Balagna House Moving in Farmington. He built the business and fabricated many of the tools and devices still in use today. He handed over the reins to the business to his son Kenny in 1985, but photo documentation proves he was still riding atop houses well after that date. When Fred finally did retire, he enjoyed working the acreage on Harriet’s farm and helping her prepare the old school house for her annual open house and skunk contest.

Private graveside services with Military Honors conducted by the United States Army & Farmington American Legion will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Farmington. Pastor Andy Sonneborn will officiate. Memorials can be made to the Farmington Rescue Squad 1100. To make online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com