Melvin Baloun
February 6, 1922 ~ December 23, 2009
Melvin Baloun, 87, of Highmore passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the Faulkton Area Medical Center.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, December 31, 2009 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Nereparmpil officiating. Burial will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery, rural Polo. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2009 with a 7:00 p.m, prayer service at the church.
Melvin M. Baloun was born February 6, 1922 to Frank and Antonio (Menhart) Baloun, the seventh of nine children. He was raised and grew up on the family homestead in north Hyde County, helping his father. Proud to have been a full blood Bohemian, he talked the language fluently, and even taught a little to his kids and grandkids.
After graduating from Seneca High School, Melvin joined the United States Army Air Corp in 1941. He served his country in WWII faithfully as a fighter pilot and air corp instructor for 4 ½ years. Upon returning to civilian life Mel married LaVonne Anderson of Iowa on November 6, 1946 in Mitchell, SD. To this union five children were born.
Melvin continued to farm and ranch on the century old farm, raising Angus Cattle, Rambouillet Sheep, growing crops, picking many rocks and mowing hay on his old H tractor until the day of his death.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the American Legion, and also an avid member of the NRA. He loved to tell stories of the “olden days,” watch Fox TV and knew more about politics and worldly matters than most people.
Melvin is leaving behind his five children: Julie (Noel) Fischbach of Faith, Barri (Linda) Baloun of Lennox, Connie (Robin) Miller of Fairbanks, AK, Randi (LeAnn) Baloun of Highmore and Lorrie (Dr. James) Graves of Fairbanks, AK; nine grandchildren: Elson (Deanna) Fischbach, Galal (Courtney) Fischbach, Shawn Baloun, Aric (Kirsten) Baloun, Travis (Sarah) Baloun, Brandon (Rhonda) Baloun, Dillon (Nikki) Baloun and Sasha Graves; seven great grandchildren: Rowdy and Hudson Fischbach, Seth Baloun, Aidyn Baloun, Braelyn Baloun, Brooklyn Baloun; many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and his companion and best friend, “Mitzi”, his blue heeler dog.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and seven siblings.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Melvin's arrangements.
MINISTER
Father Paul Nereparmpil
CASKETBEARERS
Elson & Deanna Fischbach
Galal & Courtney Fischbach
Shawn Baloun
Aric & Kirsten Baloun
Travis & Sarah Baloun
Brandon & Rhonda Baloun
Dillon & Nikki Baloun
Sasha Graves
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS
Richard Baloun
Doug LaVoy
Chuck Simon
Robert Sheffield
Jerry Vlcek
USHERS & OFFERTORY
Joe Senn
Robbie Sheffield
LECTOR
James Sleger
ALTAR SERVERS
Jayme Baloun
Jace Baloun
Kara Baloun
GUESTBOOK
Carol Baloun
FLOWERBEARERS
Laurie Sheffield
ORGANIST
Katherine Hieb
VOCALIST
Robert Bawdon
"The Old Rugged Cross"
"In the Garden"
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
"Amazing Grace"
"How Great Thou Art"
INTERMENT
Bohemian National Cemetery
Polo, South Dakota
Full Military Honors
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So sadden to hear of Mel’s passing. He was truely a unique person. I will miss him deeply. Your in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kathy
Julie,Noel and family..we send our love and sympathy..please know we are thinking of you all. Sincerely, Gordie,Kathy and Stacy.
So sorry about Mel. He was one of the most interesting people I knew. Your in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Amy Jo Goodrich
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I feel he died doing what he loved…still able to be farming! He was “Quite the Mel!”
We had the most interesting visit not too long ago, about his time as a pilot during WWII. He was a very intelligent man. God Bless you all!
Very sad to hear of your loss. He will be missed and your family will be in our thoughts.
So sorry to hear about Mel’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. He will be missed by many.
Sincerely,
Joyce & Lex
Julie & G.B.: please accept my sympathy for your loss. Like every person who led a full life, his stories and adventures remain. May he walk in the gardens of the Lord, in the sunlight of His smile.
Marian Reed
Randy,Leann, Dillion, Nikki,and families, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad and Grampa. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. Holidays are especially hard to lose a loved one. God be with all of you. Terry, Sharon, and Misti Shantz
To the family of Melvin Baloun we extend our sincere love and sympathy. Julie we are so sorry about your father. Treasure always the memories that have been made.
Our prayers,
David and Judy Gano
We are so sorry for your loss. We will be praying the love and comfort of Jesus on your whole family. May the Holy Spirit give you all wisdom, guidance & comfort during this difficult time in your lives.
Darel & Belinda Puller
Melvin Baloun Family,
I am sorry to hear of the death of Melvin. I always enjoyed working with Melvin and appreciated his business. He enjoyed working on the land and with his livestock and was proud of his accomplishments. He was always well informed and had strong opinions on world events. He grew up knowing good work ethics and he worked hard to the end. Now we must let him go as we share in the sorrow of his death. Keep the good memories close to your hearts and please accept my deepest condolences.
Our sympathy to your family.
We were so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. I have a lot of fun memories from working at your home when I was a kid.
Our sympathy to all. God bless.
Mary Carol& Bobbie
Sorry to hear of Mels sudden passing.He and my dad shared some good times together.(Louie Clement)Somehow I think they are sharing some good times again now! God bles Your family Sharon
Sorry it has taken so long to sign the guest book. Want you to know you were in our thoughts and prayers. God bless and comfort each of you.