Richard Balousek

Our dad, Richard Balousek, slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 17, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of his family. As a young boy he was a creative mischief-maker, but somehow rarely got in trouble. In high school he was a gifted athlete, quarterback of the varsity football team (awarded Back of the Year his senior year), star on the basketball court, and scouted by the Chicago White Sox. But instead of pursuing professional baseball, he chose to build a career as a tool and die maker and raise a family.

A loving father, he taught us how to fish, then spent all day putting worms on our hooks and taking the fish off, one after another after another, not even getting a chance to put his own worm in the water. A devoted husband, he married his high school sweetheart, Sue, and tenderly cared for her during their 52-year marriage and her final lengthy illness. A genuine friend, he was always willing to help when needed (whether wanted or not), drink a beer or share a pitcher of martinis.

He was an avid hunter, stalking the woods every deer season – a love he shared with his children. His special trips included hunting elk out west, and bear up north. He enjoyed slow “Sunday drives” with our mother, looking for all sorts of wildlife. And, if you found yourself at the euchre table with him, you better hope you were his partner. He was someone who was just fun to be around, and we will miss him terribly.

He was blessed by the love of his children, Jackie, Jerry, Becky, Brian and Casey, 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, all of whom survive him. He is also survived by a younger sister and brother, Sharon and Tom, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Sue; his parents, Robert and Jeanette; and his brothers, Dale and Larry.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 301 N. Main Street, Verona, with Fr. Ryan Ruhle presiding. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Lane, Verona, and again on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at Church. Interment will follow at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.