Zlata Emily Balon née Macúchová, 81, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois and formerly of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home on August 29, 2025.She was born on April 5, 1944 in Bzince pod Javorinou, Czechoslovakia to Pavel Macúch and Emilia Macúchová.

Zlata was devoted to her faith, beloved late husband Dr. Kornel Balon, family, literature, and fine dark chocolate. She deeply admired and cultivated God’s beauty everywhere – from books to flowers to travel – mirroring the inner beauty of her gentle and caring character. She lovingly cherished her extended family and friends around the world.  She adored and found great joy in her 11 grandchildren.

Always passionate about literature and poetry, she obtained her degree in Library Sciences and secured her first position as a Research Librarian in the Chemical Engineering Library of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. She married Dr. Kornel D. Balon in November1965 in Bratislava. Zlata and Kornel came to the United States in 1970 to secure a new life for their family, living in Lancaster, England, Chicago, and New York City before settling in DeKalb, Illinois. Zlata was energetic in applying her faith with her involvement in the communities at Grace Free Lutheran Church in DeKalb and Christ Presbyterian Church in Lombard, Illinois.

She is survived by her children Robert (Alice) Balon, Dr. Kornel (Katy) Balon, Edward (Alicia) Balon and Susan (Matthew) Hermsen; grandchildren Lucas, James, Finn, Emily, Abigail, Kayleigh, Kendall, Alexander, Eli, Noah, and Cate; her brother Miroslav (Blažena) Macúch; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Kornel Balon, and her parents.

A Celebration of Zlata’s life will begin with a Visitation at 12:00PM Noon on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Grace Free Lutheran Church, 1121 South First Street, DeKalb, IL 60115, with a Service to follow at 1:00PM. Interment will be at Fairview Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International, in care of Anderson Funeral Home, PO Box 605, DeKalb, IL 60115.  For further information, please call 815-756-1022.