Victor Hermann Balke

Victor Herman Balke (September 29, 1931) is a prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Diocese of Crookston in Minnesota from 1976 to 2007.

Biography

Early life Born on September 29, 1931, in Meppen, Illinois (in Calhoun County), Victor Balke's parents were Elizabeth Knese and Bernard Balke Sr. He attended St. Joseph Grade School in Meppen as well as the Monterey Grade School. Balke graduated from Hardin County High School in 1949 and entered seminary in September 1949.

Priesthood Balke was ordained into the priesthood in Springfield, Illinois, on May 24, 1958, by Bishop William A. O’Connor for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

Following his ordination, Balke served as assistant pastor at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Springfield for four years and was chaplain at St. Joseph Home for the Aged in Springfield. Later, he was named procurator, and then rector of the diocesan Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, Illinois. He served on the matrimonial tribunal as synodal judge and defender of the bond. He was also chair of the diocesan Commission on Ecumenism and secretary-treasurer of the priests’ council.