Myrtle was born in Beach, ND on May 1, 1939 the daughter of Frank and Leona (Holst) Balducke. She grew up in the colored hillside of southwest of Sidney on the “Old Home Place”. She had humble beginnings, but many adventures growing up with 8 siblings at the end of the Great Depression. She moved from the ranch to work and attend high school in Wibaux. She later moved to Sidney and continued working until she had earned enough money to put running water and new cabinets in her family’s home. Her life then began in Miles City when her sister and brother-in-law needed help working at the Crossroads. She rewarded her hard work and bought herself a yellow Thunderbird.
In 1967 she married Michael Brown and from their union had two children, Kevin and Susan. They opened Big Al’s Sandwich Joint and enjoyed two successful years of business. While raising her children, Myrtle worked at the 4B’s Restaurant and greeted many a weary traveler with her beautiful smile and kind nature. Myrtle was often told she looked like Nancy Reagan and she enjoyed the variety of personalized gifts her customers would leave her. A dedicated professional of the service industry, she worked over 30 years full-time at the 4B’sd Restaurant along with part-time positions at the Red Rock Supper Club, Miles City Club, and Cellar Casino in Miles City.
Myrtle raised a large vegetable garden and enjoyed the beauty of her flowers. She was an accomplished seamstress and created many costumes for her children. Her children were her joy and she worked tirelessly to provide them a nurturing life. Her enormous recipe collection ensured one could always find a home-baked good ready and waiting when they visited.
In 2007 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and spent many months in Rochester, MN living with Susan and her husband Don undergoing treatment. She never complained during her chemotherapy, but rather chose to return to her childhood roots of working on her daughter’s farm. She credits the experience at Mayo Clinic, coupled with the support of her family for her successful outcome and ability to return to Miles City. She and her sister Lois celebrated by purchasing a condo together on the 4th fairway of the golf course next to their sister Francie. They were able to garden together, enjoy the views from their beautiful deck and each other’s company.
Myrtle loved music. She, Lois and Francie treasured their trip to Minneapolis for a Daniel O’Donnell concert. Myrtle was overjoyed to witness the early lives of her grandchildren and spent many treasured months with Susan and her family to MN. She eventually moved permanently to Rochester in 2015 to be closer to Susan and her medical team. Her warm personality and friendly smile made it easy for her to make friends in her new residence.
Myrtle left a lasting impression on all those in her life with the sincerity of her smile and kind, gentle nature. She lived with a gracefulness through her 9 year battle with cancer that has inspired many. During the last days of her life, she gave everyone that visited a lasting gift…the smile that made your entire heart swell. She will be missed by all and cherished forever.
Myrtle is survived by: her children Kevin (Nikki) of Laramie, WY and Susan (Don) Wigersma of Hayfield, MN; 9 grandchildren: Anna, Kaden, Brody, Ryley, Jacob, Austin and Scarlett of WY., Samuel and Benjamin of MN.; 4 sisters, Louise (Bud) Rehbein and Mary (Leon) Thrams, Sidney, MT., Lois McRae and Francie (Lloyd) Mackin , Miles City, MT; one brother,Bill Balducke, Sidney, MT. Myrtle is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Myrtle was preceded in death by: her parents, Frank and Leona (Holst) Balducke; a sister Maebelle (Eugene) Staggs; brothers Tony (Kay) and Benny Balducke and an infant brother Joseph Frank.
Memorials may be sent to the angels of Season’s Hospice in Rochester, MN.
Myrtle passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side at Meadow Lakes Senior Living in Rochester, MN on Wednesday, August 31, 2016