Raymond Baloun

Raymond's Tribute Video

Century year old farmer and rancher, Raymond Ray Baloun, 100 years, 1 month and 14 days, of Highmore, was called home on Friday, October 22, 2010.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Highmore with Father Paul Nereparampil and Father Jerry Holtzman officiating. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery at Highmore. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church followed by a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Ray was born on a bright fall day, September 8, 1910, to Frank and Antonia Menhart Baloun on a farm 25 miles northeast of Highmore and is very proud of his Bohemian heritage.  He attended grade school in Banner Township in Hyde County through eighth grade.  His love on the farm was his Hereford cattle which were sold when he was 97 years of age at the Ft. Pierre Sale Barn.  Ray also raised herds of sheep and was an avid sheep shearer in his younger days.

His main interests while growing up were farm work, playing ball on Sunday, and going to barn dances at the McQuown farm where Lawrence Welk played.  It was there that he met his spouse, Alice Ellenbecker.  On October 14, 1931, Ray and Alice were married at the First Congregational Church in Faulkton.  Their first home was northeast of Highmore until they bought the Jim Marton farm in 1939 and lived there until December of 2008.

Ray was involved in working on WPA, served on Union Township board, REA board in Miller, ASC board in Hyde County and 4-H leader for many years when his children were involved.

In the 1970’s, Ray and Alice traveled with the Farmers Union tours to Australia, London, England, New Zealand, Holland, Hawaii and Paris, France.

He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Seneca and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Highmore.

Grateful to have shared in his life are his children: three sons: Burton (MaryAnn) Baloun, Darwin Baloun and Richard (Carol) Baloun, all of Highmore; three daughters: Virginia (Robert) Wieseler of Orient, Donna Jean (Arnold) Gutenkauf of Pierre, and Carol Ann (Dick) Myler of Seneca; 22 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Alice in 1997; his parents; four brothers: Reg, Vern, Richard and Melvin; three sisters: Rose Heinzen, Irene Weber and Geneva Fieldsend; one granddaughter, Patrice Baloun in 1972; one grandson, Shane Gutenkauf in 1997; and one great granddaughter, Briana Baloun in 1980.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Raymond’s arrangements.

A memorial fund has been established by the family in Raymond's name.  Click here for information about the memorial fund.