Raymond Balo

Raymond E. Balo, age 77, of Alta, Iowa died Saturday, November 14, 2020 at his home in Alta. Raymond's family will hold private services at a later date. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta is in charge of the arrangements. Raymond Elder Balo was born August 13, 1943 in Lakehurst, New Jersey the son of Elder and Carolina (Harris) Balo. Growing up, he attended high school in Brookings, South Dakota. He continued his education in the Navy, where he graduated in 1961. He proudly served his country during Vietnam as a Navigator and earning the rank of QuarterMaster (QM). He was honorably discharged in January of 1966. Ray was united in marriage to Barbara Brown and together they were blessed with three children: Shannon, Shawn, and Shane. He was later married to Cindy Hershey and blessed with two sons: Jared and Justin. In 1986, Ray was united in marriage to Janet Lyons in Middletown, New Jersey. Together, they were blessed with three children: Amanda, Kenneth, and Russell. Ray worked construction for many years where he was a heavy equipment operator and did underground boring. Ray was a member of the American Legion. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching racing, hunting and reading. Ray loved watching westerns and playing his guitar while singing and dancing to country music. Family was very important to Ray and he especially treasured spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include Janet Lyons of Lake View, Iowa; children: Shannon Balo of Bayville, New Jersey; Shawn Balo of Bayville, New Jersey; Shane (Denise) Balo of Jackson, New Jersey; Jared Balo of Wyoming; Justin Balo of Wyoming; Amanda (Blake) Lytle of Alta, Iowa; Kenneth (Faith) Balo of Varina, Iowa; Russell (Michelle) Balo of Sac City, Iowa; grandchildren: Amber Balo; Shannon Balo Jr.; Alyssa (Larry) Morton; Sarah Balo; Nick Balo; Alexandria and Victoria Balo; Braxton and Eastyn Lytle; Hope, Joy, and Gabriel Balo; great grandchildren: Jayden Balo and Lailah Morton; brother, Ben (Faith) Balo of Amery, Wisconsin; sisters: Reba May (Richard) Crawford of Littleton, Colorado; Carolyn (Bill) Wellman of Colman, South Dakota; Esther Trygstad of Colman, South Dakota; Cindy (Rex) Sippel of Groton, South Dakota; sisters-in-law: Donna Balo of Brookings, South Dakota; Sandy Balo of White, South Dakota; many nieces; nephews; great nieces and nephews; extended family and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents: Elder and Carolina Balo; brothers: Art Balo and Oscar Balo; brother-in-law, Jim Trygstad; nephew. John Trygstad; and nieces: Elaine Trygstad and Cindy Ray.

Raymond Balo

August 13, 1943 - November 14, 2020