PARDEEVILLE - Walter E. C. Balsiger, 91, of Pardeeville, went into the presence of his Lord on July 25, 2010.
He was born on Sept. 7, 1918, the middle son of Jacob Johann Balsiger and Olga Schneiter Balsiger. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pardeeville.
He received his education in the Pardeeville school system, graduating with the class of 1936. He was a starting member of the Pardeeville basketball team that won the Class C State Championship in 1936. He was a licensed cheese maker and was affiliated with the North Marcellon Cheese company for 42 years as manager and cheese maker until his retirement in 1979.
On Sept. 20, 1940, he was united in marriage to Rachel H. Hamburg, his high school sweetheart and best friend.
Mr. Balsiger was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. He also served on the Pardeeville Village Board and the Zoning Commission. He was an avid golfer and was a past member of the Saddle Ridge Golf Club.
After their retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada in their motor home and for many years spent their winters in Arizona and Texas. They also traveled several times throughout Europe visiting family and friends in Switzerland and Germany.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Rachel. They were happily married for almost 70 years. He is further survived by two grandsons, Michael of Pardeeville and Steven of Chicago; two special great-granddaughters, Jessilyn and Jenna; special nieces and nephews Betsi and Gregg Lueptow, Carol Lanham, Bruce and Linda Balsiger, Jon and Linda Balsiger and Jode and Terri Balsiger; and many, many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, David, his daughter, Jane, his grandson Jacob, his parents, his brother Vern and Vern's wife, Olive, his brother Harold and his wife ElDora, and his sister-in-law Mary (Norman) Herreman.
He was a wonderful, caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was a gentle man and a gentleman, always ready to be of help to family and friends, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Services will be held at a later date with Pastor William Runke officiating. If desired, memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Pardeeville, or any of the organizations within the church.
It takes a special kind of man to take the time for others. It takes the kind of man who, in a quiet and sincere way, will do whatever it takes to help somebody out - who knows that giving makes living a pleasure, and thoughtfulness is the best measure of a man.
The Smith Funeral Home of Pardeeville is serving the family.
Posted in Obituaries on Monday, July 26, 2010 11:33 pm
