Anderson Funeral Home

serving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222

Dave Balliett
David Charles Balliett “Dave� , age 71 years and 26 days, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife by his side, Sunday evening, Jan. 20, 2013.  

Dave was born Dec. 25, 1941, in Eau Claire, WI, son of Orville and Grace (Johnson) Balliett. Dave was raised in Augusta, where he graduated from Augusta High School in 1960. While in high school Dave was an outstanding athlete and excelled in football and basketball. He went on to attend college, but with the sudden passing of his father he returned to Augusta to take over the family business, Balliett Shell, which he operated from 1962 until 1986.  
Dave was united in marriage to Darlene Lubinski on May 9, 1964 at Grace Lutheran Church in Augusta, and to this union 4 children were born. He later married Barb (Hardwig) Luedtke on June 7, 1986 at Grace Lutheran Church and the couple celebrated 26 years together. Dave and Barb purchased the Silver Dollar Saloon and renamed it “Country Dave’s.� Dave operated the tavern from April 24, 1986 until July 5, 2007, and during those years made a lot of good and long lasting friends that became almost like family. 
Dave gave 100% of himself to his community and was called the “ICON and VOICE OF THE PEOPLE!!� 

For 50 years Dave was a volunteer member of the Augusta-Bridge Creek Fire Department, having served as Fire Chief and many years as the Assistant Fire Chief. He also served over 30 years as a volunteer EMS for the Augusta area. He was currently a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the city of Augusta. 

In 1962, Dave joined the Augusta Lions Club and held many key positions. Over the years he was the recipient of many club awards, such as The Melvin Jones Fellow Award and The Lion of the Year Award. He was well known for several things in the club, but his one- liners while dressed as Santa Claus for the annual Lion’s Christmas party became classics. For many years Dave’s voice was the one you listened to while he announced the annual Bean and Bacon Days Parade, he did a great job announcing and always added to the fun.  

Dave touched the lives of many children in the Augusta area. He took great pride and joy in his 41 years of driving school bus for the Augusta School District, not only the daily runs but for many, many extracurricular activities. He knew the importance of hunting safety and taught the local Hunter Safety Course for over 35 years, instructing 3 generations of children, and only recently retired due to ill health.

His interest in children and sports led to announcing the Augusta Beavers football games. Dave announced for 37 years. The community showed their appreciation on Friday night Sept. 7, 2012, to Dave’s shocking surprise. The football game was delayed and the Augusta Centennial Field was dedicated in his honor!!!. The “voice� of the people when asked what he had to say was speechless, but managed to get out a sincere and heartfelt “Thank You.� Dave was one of the true pillars of the Augusta community who selflessly gave himself to many local endeavors for decades!!  

Dave enjoyed helping others but also having fun with his hobbies. He enjoyed; 4 wheeling, he always had to be the fearless leader!!, canoeing, deer hunting, ( if he had to rely on his hunts to feed his wife, she would have starved!) In his younger days he drove in stock car races, played 2nd. base on various softball teams for over 20 years, drove snowmobiles, trike riding (the trike he built himself) , bird watching, shooting pool and as a member of pool league member for 27 plus years. He also enjoyed taking rides in the country looking for wild life. Late in life Dave took up golf, he was good at a lot of things, but golf was not one of them!  

Dave enjoyed watching sports and a better Green Bay Packer fan would be hard to find. He was proud to be a franchise stock holder.  
Dave was preceded in death by his father Orville in 1962, his mother, Grace in 1974, infant children, Charles David and Brenda Balliett and infant brother, Darrell Steven Balliett.  

Dave is survived by his wife, Barb of Augusta; 2 sons, Mitch and Leann Balliett and Marsh Balliett all of Augusta; step-son, Ray Luedtke of Seattle, WA; step granddaughter, Renee Bethke and Jesse Olson of Eau Claire; sister, Dorothy and Stan Nelson of Osseo; niece, Patricia Meyers and nephew, Jeff and Dina Nelson and their families. He is also survived by his canine companion, Bandit!
Dave will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and will remain in their hearts forever. Even though it is difficult to say goodbye we have been so blessed and are far better off to have known him. We love you Dave. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 at Grace Lutheran Church, with burial in the West Lawn Cemetery, both in Augusta. The place of visitation for Dave has been changed to the gym at the Augusta Community-Senior Center, from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday.  
 Friends may also call 2 hours prior to services Saturday at the church. The family is assisted by the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.