- Balliet, David Robert "Bear" 1950-2010
David passed into eternal life February 8th, 2010, after a courageous 8-year battle with Carcinoid Syndrome, a rare form of cancer. He was 60 years old. Dave was born January 24th, 1950, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Robert M. and Helen K. (Moder) Balliet. He was the first born of their four children. Dave was a lifelong resident of the area, attending St. Mary's Grade School, Xavier High School ('68) and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (B.S. and M.S.).
Dave's vocation was education. He taught and coached at St. Mary's Grade School in Appleton from 1973-1979. Several times he refinished the gym floor himself, proving his dedication to the athletic program at St. Mary's. He also prepared students for confirmation in evening classes at St. Mary's. During his summers, he was a construction worker for the Oscar J. Boldt Company. He became a faculty member of Fox Valley Technical College in 1979 and taught and counseled in Appleton and the many off campus sites around central Wisconsin until his retirement in 2007. He continued to teach part-time at FVTC as an adjunct faculty member. He was a member of W.E.A.C. and an association leader at the local level.
Dave loved athletics and the outdoors. He played recreational sports until he no longer could. He was the pitcher on his softball team and a member of the FVTC Golf League. Dave also umpired softball for the Appleton Recreation Department. In addition, Dave coached his son's basketball, soccer, and baseball teams in grade school and middle school. He also coached his daughter's basketball team.
His other great interest and love was the family tree farm in Waushara County. He spent as much time as he could out in the woods. He took great pride in working the land to make it a beautiful place to visit.
Dave was known by many as "the Bear" or just "Davo." He enjoyed many a good time with his friends. He loved to attend high school and college athletic events. He shared season tickets to the Badger basketball games with his son, Nick.
Another passion for Dave was traveling with his family. They have traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and to Europe.
He is survived by his wife of 37½ years, Gerri (Engel), their daughter Amy, Munich, Germany and their son Nick, Appleton. Dave is further survived by his father, Robert, Appleton; brother Daniel (Jan Carlson) Appleton; and sisters: Laura (John) Tucker, Neenah; and Bobbie (Jeff) Mullen, Appleton. On the Balliet side of his family Dave is further survived by two nieces and a nephew. On the Engel side of his family, Dave is survived by Gerri's mother and many brothers- and sisters-in-law along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many great friends who enjoyed Dave's company.
Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Helen (Sis) Balliet in 2009.
Friends may call at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer Funeral Chapel from 4-7 p.m. on Friday. A prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2010, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 313 S. State St. Appleton. Burial will take place at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the many caregivers who looked after Dave. Special mention of our appreciation goes to Dr. O'Dorisio at the University of Iowa and Dr. Phil Vogt here in Appleton for their medical knowledge, support and encouragement throughout these difficult years.
Dave, you touched many friends with your caring heart and changed many lives for the better with your compassionate spirit and guidance. You are loved more than you ever knew, and you will be missed more than words can say.
Dad: You were one of a kind. No one could ever replace you. I will miss you forever. - Love, Amy
Chief: You're my best friend and the best father I could have ever asked for. I'll make you proud. - Nick
Brettschneider
Trettin-Lederer
606 N. Oneida St.
Appleton 920-733-7383
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1950 - 2010 (60 years)
Has 28 ancestors but no descendants in this family tree.
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