Walter Balsiger

VISITATION:

2 - 5 p.m., Thursday, November 8 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

SERVICE:

6 p.m., Thursday, November 8 at Chippewa Valley Bible Church, 531 South Ave., Chippewa Falls

Walter Rudolf Balsiger, 91, passed away November 4, 2012 at his home in Jim Falls.

He was born February 12, 1921 in Jackson County, WI to Swiss immigrants Elizabeth (Abegglan) and Fred Balsiger. He graduated from Black River High School.

Walter married "the girl next door" Eileen Gonia on June 27, 1942. They farmed together in Cloverdale, Jackson County, until 1948, when they moved to the town of Anson where they owned and operated a dairy farm. Sadly, his Eileen passed away in May, 2003.

For 45 years, Walt was known by family and friends as "Gramps." He was a life-long St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Fan. He thoroughly enjoyed cheering on his children and grandchildren as they competed in sporting events. Active and clever throughout his long life, he never missed the daily crossword puzzles. He enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandsons on many Wisconsin lakes and rivers, as well as backpacking fishing trips in Canada, Colorado and Alaska. His lifelong motto that his family often heard was "Honesty is not the best policy; it's the ONLY policy." It is hard to imagine that there was a person who met him who didn't like him.

Survivors include a daughter, JoAnn (Bob) Bjerke of Lewiston, ID; six sons, Jim (Heather) of Juneau, AK, David (Linda) of Oregon, WI, Al (Shar) of Jim Falls, Mike (Linda) of Chippewa Falls, Jeff (Deonne) of Jim Falls, Steve (Jill) of Parker CO; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eileen; two sisters, Erica Johnson and Adele Maeder.

A visitation will be held from 2 - 5 p.m., Thursday, November 8 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel in Chippewa Falls.

Following the visitation at the funeral chapel, the funeral service will take place at 6 p.m., Thursday at Chippewa Valley Bible Church, 531 South Ave., Chippewa Falls with Rev. Jim Woldhuis officiating. Interment will be on Friday at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

AFTERSERVICE

A funeral service for Walter R. Balsiger, 91, of the town of Anson, was held at 6 p.m., Thursday, November 8, 2012 at Chippewa Valley Bible Church in Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Jim Woldhuis officiated, music was provided by Bobbi Geissler, Beth Martinek, son, David Balsiger and daughter-in-law, Heather Balsiger. Personal reflections were shared by honorary granddaughter, Clara Rose Steinmetz, grandson, Greg Balsiger and son, Al Balsiger.

Interment was in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls. Casket bearers were Walt's children, JoAnn Bjerke, Jim, Dave, Al, Mike, Jeff and Steve Balsiger.