Donita Balek, 65 formerly of Rockwell, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Sunday, August 6, 2023 in North Liberty, IA after a courageous three year battle with cancer.
Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2023 at First Baptist Church, 125 E State St, Mason City, IA with Reverend Jim Bringman officiating. She will be laid to rest at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street Northeast, Mason City. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Born on August 15, 1957, in Mason City, Donita, lovingly known as “Dee Dee,” was the second child of Cecil H. and Mary Ann (Meier) Ditsworth. The family settled on a farm near Swaledale, where Donita graduated from Rockwell-Swaledale Community High School in 1975. She earned her nursing degree from NIACC in 1977. In 1978, she married her first husband Greg Roben, they were blessed with two children: Katie and Drew (Andrew). Donita was united in marriage to Fred Balek in 2012, by whom she will be laid to rest.
Donita found her calling in the care of children. Her nursing career took her from a NICU in Des Moines to the Maternity Unit at North Iowa Medical Center and then to adult Med/Surg units, eventually leading her to Amicare (now Mercy Home Care), where she specialized in pediatric home care.
Donita’s life was a testament to love and compassion. As a pediatric nurse, her devotion knew no limits, she would do nearly anything to provide excellent care for her young patients and their families. In 2014, her excellence was acknowledged when she was recognized among 100 Great Iowa Nurses—a source of immense pride. She was more than a caregiver; she was a listener, a giver, and a lover. Her heart overflowed with generosity, she enjoyed volunteering for church duties, guiding youth through Sunday school and bible school, reading to her children’s school classes, and leading Scout Troops. She shared her medical skills as a volunteer EMT, community pool volunteer and taught many CPR classes throughout the neighboring communities. Donita loved to work in her yard and garden, she created a peaceful sanctuary around her home. Her creative passion extended to knitting cherished keepsakes for family and friends and countless baby hats that found their way to many Iowa NICUs. Donita loved to travel especially to visit friends and family throughout the US as well as Europe, Korea, and Guatemala.
In 2014 Donita suffered a devastating bout with Encephalitis which forever altered her memory. Her family cherished the stolen years after that illness. She lived with her children and granddaughter and continued visits with family all over the country. Donita especially loved spending time with her new friends at Pathways Adult Day Health in Iowa City over the past 8 years.
Above all, her family holds the center of her heart, regardless of proximity. Donita’s legacy continues through the countless lives she touched.
Donita is survived by her children, Katie Roben and Andrew Roben; a granddaughter, Emma Lee Roben all of North Liberty; mother, Mary Ann Ditsworth, Mason City, IA; siblings, Mark (Sona) Ditsworth, Loda, IL, Tim (Dianna) Ditsworth, Rockwell, Deb (Todd) Bielefeld, Mason City, Julie (Randy) Holmes, Apple Valley, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, and extended family.
Preceding her in death are her husband, Fred Balek and father, Cecil.
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