Donald L. Balding, 86

Donald L. 'Don' Balding, 86, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born May 29, 1921, in Highmor, S.D., to Ward T. and Emma (Bultman) Balding.

Don received his early education in and around Rapid City, S.D., before joining the U.S. Army and serving during World War II. He served from July 1942 to November 1945, during which time he attained the rank of staff sergeant T-4 Rank. He served in the European Theater with the 3440th Ordnance Medium Automotive Maintenance Company from Thames to Rhine Rivers in England, France, Belgium and Germany.

Don married Betty Jane Jensen on Nov. 3, 1946, in Blair, Neb., and they settled in Kalispell, where they built several homes and worked in the automobile business, eventually owning and operating Balding's Cars and Trucks.

Betty preceded him in death on Sept. 2, 1996. He married Thale I. Chubb Wenger on Feb. 14, 2001.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Esther Berdella Balding on May 4, 1971, and Opal Mae Tuscher on Sept. 27, 1986; and a brother, George Richard Balding, on June 20, 1996.

He is survived by his wife, Thale Balding, of Lakeside; two sons, Robert Balding and his wife, Diane, and James Balding, of Kalispell; four grandchildren, Michelle Grisby and husband, Adams, of Billings, Kristoffer Balding of Bozeman, and Nicholas Balding and Nathan Balding, both of Kalispell; three stepsons, Michael, Daniel and Timothy Deardurff, and their families; one sister, Doris Gilbertson, of Kalispell; with many nieces and nephews, and other relatives.

Memorial services for Don will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 29, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral chapel, with Pastor Larry Stappler officiating. There will be no visitation. Urn burial will be after services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Don's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Don's guest book.