Robert Samuel Baller, 79

Robert Samuel Baller, 79, died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, at his residence in Bigfork.

He was born Sept. 21, 1925, in Silverton, Ore., to Samuel and Doris (Elliott) Baller.

Robert joined the U.S. Navy on September 23, 1942 and was discharged from active duty on March 3, 1946, and was a Pharmacist's Mate 1st Class.

He married Lillian Buchholz on Oct. 15, 1947, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, Minn. He was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Superior, Wis.

He was employed for 32 years at Lakehead Pipeline Co., Superior, retiring in October of 1985. Robert and his wife enjoyed his active retirement for about 20 years, traveling to Europe, Central America, Costa Rica and Mexico. They also traveled by RV throughout the United States and Canada. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, reading and was a nature lover.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Noreen Baller, Erma Brenden, Cleo Martin, Marie Larson, Mae Wilhite and an infant sister; and two brothers, William and Richard Baller.

He is survived by his wife Lillian (Buchholz) Baller of Bigfork; two daughters, Barbara Torba of Tucson, Ariz., and Brenda Olson of Bigfork; one son, Bruce Baller of Batavia, Ill.; six grandchildren, Alison Torba, Stephanie Philosophos, Neil Baller, Laura Baller, Thomas Olson and Lena Olson; one great-grandchild, Mia Philosophos; six sisters, Verda Burr of Guerneville, Calif., Vera Satern of Silverton, Ore., Thelma Scoggins of Mt. Angel, Ore., Cloreta Kaizer of Silverton, Ore., Virginia Large of Salem, Ore., and Marian Neimi of Yakima, Wash.; one brother, Ralph Baller of Lacy, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.

There is no visitation or services scheduled.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3550 Mullan Road, Suite 105, Missoula, MT 59808.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Robert's family.