Richard E. "Dick" Balliette

Richard Ernest Balliette, age 85, passed away at The Classic at Hillcrest Green in Altoona on Monday, August 5, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Jean (Nevin), his daughter, Roxanne (Larry) Daily of Milwaukee, WI, his son Rodney (Gina) Balliette of Fortson, GA; grandson: Anthony (Noemi) Daily of West Allis, WI; granddaughters: Sara Daily of Milwaukee, WI, Yazmine (Tyler) Dorr and Rhiannon Balliette both of Fortson, GA; great-grandsons: Cillian Daily and Gryffin Dorr; one sister in law JoAnn Nevin of Chippewa Falls, WI.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 6:30 PM at the Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer, with a visitation 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Private interment will be at a later date. Military Honors will be performed by the Bloomer VFW/American Legion. Online condolences may be expressed at olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com
He was born on July 12, 1934 in Viroqua, Wisconsin. He was the adopted son of Ralph and Maude (Shepherd) Balliette of Platteville, WI where he resided until he graduated from Platteville High School in 1952. He served in the US Navy from June of 1952 until July of 1955 when he received an honorable discharge for his service during the War in Korea.
Richard and Jean met at Stout State University in Menomonie, WI and were married in August of 1956. Richard continued his education, graduating in business education from Whitewater Wisconsin State University in January of 1961. He taught business subjects in Wauzeka, WI until June of 1963. He received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration in June of 1964 from Winona Minnesota State College. From there he went to Prescott WI High School as a business teacher for three years and in 1967 became a high school Principal for 23 years. He was instrumental in designing and overseeing the building of the “New” (1970) high school building. In 1990, after 26 years of service at Prescott, he retired. Richard, known as Mr. B. to his students, always felt during his tenure in education that the student’s educational needs were first and foremost because they were our leaders of tomorrow.
During his time in Prescott he belonged to many community organizations: Northwestern Masonic Lodge No.105 (Proficiency Man and twice Past Master), American Legion Post 61, Board of Directors of Clifton Highlands Golf Course, Toastmasters Club, Lions Club, Secretary to the United Way and Prescott Cable Committee. He was also an active member of the United Church of Christ where he served on the Board of Trustees, Board of Deacons, Church Moderator, Usher and two ministerial search committees. Professional organizations consisted of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, Association of Wisconsin Secondary School Administrators (Charter Member) and CESA Principals Organization. He served on many committees in all organizations that he belonged to. He was also a dual member of the Bloomer Wisconsin Masonic Lodge No. 281 where he served as Counselor of the Lodge for over 20 years.
Richard and Jean moved to their lake cabin in October of 1991 where they have resided for many years. They traveled south in the winter to Punta Gorda, FL and Arizona to visit with family and friends. In Florida, Richard served on the Peace River Civic Association Board of Directors (twice as president) for 6.5 years. They later moved to Mesa Arizona then moved back to Wisconsin.
Richard will be remembered by all who knew him. SO MOTE IT BE!