Thank you to the participants in Jim's service:

Clergy - Reverend John Short

Placing of the Pall - Jason and Trisha Jungwirth

Organist - Mary Binger

Cantor and Soloist - Jane Burggraff

Reader - Tim Woodring

Urnbearers - Joe Baloun, Bryan Baloun, Brad Baloun, Tom Baloun

Honorary Bearers - Jim's Grandchildren

Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Honor Guard - Joe Keller, Hugh Mack, Matt Weller

Clergy for Committal Service in Hoven - Reverend Darin Schmidt

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

James "Jim" Royal Baloun, 80, formerly of Redfield, died Friday, October 16, 2020 in Rapid City, SD following his battle with colon cancer.  His last days were spent surrounded by his family.

Jim was born August 21, 1940 in Highmore, SD to Donald and Roberta (McQuown) Baloun.  The family moved to the Seneca, SD area and Jim graduated from Faulkton High School in 1958.

Jim met Betty Mertes in 1960.  The couple married on October 7, 1963.  They started their family on a farm north of Hoven, later settling in Lebanon, SD, in 1966 where Jim continued his career in farming. Until his dying days, whenever he smelled the odor of cow manure, he would comment, "smells like money."  In 1977, the family moved to Redfield, SD, where Jim traded driving a tractor for fixing them, working as a mechanic.  Later, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and began a plumbing business in Redfield.  For over 40 years, Jim spent his time in what the family estimates is probably every home in the town and surrounding communities.  His hours were sometimes long, including some nights and weekends and even some holidays, because as his business card read: "A flush beats a full house."

Jim's strong faith motivated service to others, not only his family, but the Redfield community and the Catholic Church. He gave much of his time to the group of men that were like his second family, the Knights of Columbus.  Jim was a 4th Degree Knight and held many state and local offices during his 52 years in the Knights.  He was named the South Dakota Outstanding Program Director in 1994 and the South Dakota Fraternalist of the Year in 2012. If you had asked Jim, he got back much more than he gave, in his time and dedication to St. Bernard's and the KC's.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Pierre; six children: Joe (Sheila Reed) of Omaha, NE, Jill (Ken) Franzel of Longmont, CO, Bryan (Jennifer) of Rapid City, SD, Brad of Algona, IA, Tom (Staci) of Spearfish, and Trisha (Jason) Jungwirth of Pierre; seventeen loving grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Donna Woodring; sister-in-law, Sherry Baloun and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bob and Bill.

A public visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Monday, October 26, 2020, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  Because of the health concerns of members of Jim's family, masks covering the nose and mouth will be required to be worn during the public visitation.  For those who are unable to or uncomfortable with wearing a mask, the family appreciates your thoughts and prayers in lieu of your personal attendance.  A private family prayer service will follow at 7:00 PM on Monday and will be livestreamed by Hyke Funeral Home.

A private family funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 27 at 10:30 AM at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield and will also be livestreamed.  Inurnment will follow the funeral in Saint Anthony's Catholic Cemetery in Hoven, SD.  Reverend John Short will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home. (www.hykefuneralhome.com)