Ronald "Butch" Balzum, 80, Ada, Minnesota, died Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at Benedictine Care Community, Ada.
Ronald Eugene was born at home, near Ada, on April 22, 1933, to Robert and Mabel (Pinske) Balzum. He attended Ada High School and later worked for Kitchell Farms near Ada. Ronald was united in marriage to Florence Aarestad on September 30, 1955, at Lockhart, MN. They made their home in Ada and over the years he worked for Ada Feed & Seed, Great Plains Lumber, and the Ada Elementary School. In 1982, Ronald and Florence established F & R Floral, with their daughter Tammy. He operated the flower shop for many years along with an assortment of other jobs until retiring in 2006. Ronald enjoyed fishing and hunting, and spending time with his family and many friends over coffee. Ronald is survived by his wife, Florence, daughters: Shirley Riley, Tamara (Bruce) Sargent, both of Ada, sons: Richard (Scott Eastvold) Balzum, Buffalo, MN, Stacey Balzum, Ada, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one brother: Robert (Shelbe) Balzum, Young America, MN, one sister: Beverly (Ralph) Valdes, Cape Coral, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mabel, and a great granddaughter, June Rudd.
Ronald Eugene was born at home, near Ada, on April 22, 1933, to Robert and Mabel (Pinske) Balzum. He attended Ada High School and later worked for Kitchell Farms near Ada. Ronald was united in marriage to Florence Aarestad on September 30, 1955, at Lockhart, MN. They made their home in Ada and over the years he worked for Ada Feed & Seed, Great Plains Lumber, and the Ada Elementary School. In 1982, Ronald and Florence established F & R Floral, with their daughter Tammy. He operated the flower shop for many years along with an assortment of other jobs until retiring in 2006. Ronald enjoyed fishing and hunting, and spending time with his family and many friends over coffee. Ronald is survived by his wife, Florence, daughters: Shirley Riley, Tamara (Bruce) Sargent, both of Ada, sons: Richard (Scott Eastvold) Balzum, Buffalo, MN, Stacey Balzum, Ada, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one brother: Robert (Shelbe) Balzum, Young America, MN, one sister: Beverly (Ralph) Valdes, Cape Coral, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mabel, and a great granddaughter, June Rudd.