James B. Baalrud

James B. Baalrud, 63, of Holcombe, died suddenly on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from a heart attack.

James was born on April 19, 1960 to Oliver and Lorraine (Bauch) Baalrud in Chippewa Falls and was raised on the family farm in New Auburn.

James married Laura Ritter on January 23, 1982 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. He was a maintenance manager for Premium Waters for 42 years.

James was a fun-loving, easy-going person who worked hard and played hard. He brought out the best in others, and people wanted to be around him. He was a warm and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt, fish, farm, and spend time on the water, especially with friends and family. He enjoyed building, particularly metalwork, and could fix any machine. James will be remembered as an optimistic person who gave endless love and support to those around him, always with a smile.

James is survived by his wife, Laura; two sons, Scott (Colleen) of Ann Arbor, MI and Andrew (Erin) of Chicago, IL; mother-in-law, Joanne Ritter of Chippewa Falls; one brother, Timothy Baalrud of New Auburn; three sisters, Helen (Jeff) Sheffield of Bruce, Mary (Jim Backhaus) Baalrud of Boyd, and Peggy (Dan) Stanford of New Auburn; two sisters-in-law, Clarice (Leonard) Dolan and Ann (Mark) Rueden; and five grandchildren, Solin, Brooks, Lennaea, Evie, and Charley Baalrud.

James was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Dale Ritter; and one brother, Merlin Baalrud.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 7 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. Interment will be in Twin Lakes Cemetery in New Auburn, town of Sampson.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 6 and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7 at the Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls. There will be a Remembrance service at 7 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

Funeral services for James B. Baalrud were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 7 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.

Rev. Frank Corradi was celebrant of the funeral Mass assisted by Mass server, Mark Birrittella. Interment was in Twin Lakes Cemetery in the town of Sampson.

Music during the Mass was provided by Beth Martinek and Sue Van de Loo. Readings were given by Wendy Mattson and Shannon Vitullo. Gift bearers were Karyn Baxter, Laura Bichler and Kristen Globensky.

Casket bearers were Adam and Ben Baalrud, Dale and Jason Johnson, Gunther Kellum and Nick Sheffield.

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