Nicholas Ballis

Nicholas Ballis obituary, Brookings, SD

Nicholas Ballis

Nicholas Ballis Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Eidsness Funeral and Cremation Services - Brookings Chapel on Apr. 8, 2025.

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Nicholas Charles Ballis, 75, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in Brooking SD. A Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, SD on Saturday, April 12th, 2025.
Nicholas Charles Ballis was born on January 5th, 1950 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Francis and LaVerne (Anderson) Ballis. He grew up in Roseville, Minnesota next to McCarrons Lake and graduated from Kellogg High School receiving an apprenticeship in carpentry. Nick served in the National Guards from 1968-1974.
He met and married love of his life Marlene "Micky" (Heinn) from St. Paul, Minnesota on April 11th, 1970. They were married for 55 years. They lived in Brookings, SD and raised four children Jody, Dawn, Nick Jr and Justin. Nick began working at Spies Super Value which brought him to South Dakota and worked at the Brookings HyVee from 1974-1990. He continued to work in the flooring business for the next 25 years.
The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will. Nick had the biggest and purest heart, always looking to find the best in someone and trying to help. As an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, Nick's true passion was fishing. It didn't matter if it was open water fishing or drilling a hole for ice fishing, he always had his next adventure planned and a willingness to share lots of pictures and fishing stories. When friends fished with him, they came away full of tales of fish caught. Inspired by his passion of fishing he was the innovator and active participant for over 70 years.
Nick is survived by his wife, Marlene "Micky" Ballis; daughters, Jody (Bill) Runge of Brookings and Dawn Donofrio of New York; sons Nick Jr (Lissa) of Iowa and Justin (Holly) of Brookings; thirteen grandchildren, Zach (Jessy) Runge, Katelynn (Luke) Warejcka, Anthony, Casey, Matthew, Kelly, Riley Donofrio, Christian (Tristin), Avery, Ryker Ballis, Brooklyn, Madison, and Jordyn Ballis; seven great-grandchildren, Camden, Marley, Elowyn, Livian, Liam, Charlee and Theo; siblings, Sandy (Joseph Lopez) Ballis of Tucson AZ, Tim (Cenia) Ballis of Pine City, MN; half-sister, Joanne (Ron) Dinger of Alexandria, MN; sister-in-law, RoxAnne Ballis of Pine City, MN; brothers-in-law, Donald Heinn of MN, John Jr (Sharon) Heinn of MN, David (Cindy) Heinn MN and Pat (Rita) Heinn of MN and his beloved pet companion "Addy".
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Sign Nicholas Ballis's Guest Book

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June 24, 2025

Darrell Heinn posted to the memorial.

April 14, 2025

Todd and Chelli Schneider posted to the memorial.

April 8, 2025

Eidsness Funeral and Cremation Services - Brookings Chapel posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Darrell Heinn

June 24, 2025

So sorry to hear Nick's passing he will be surely missed he was a good person.
DARRELL HEINN.

Todd and Chelli Schneider

April 14, 2025

So sorry to hear about the loss of Nick. Lots of good memories. He was a great person!

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Eidsness Funeral and Cremation Services - Brookings Chapel

1617 Orchard Drive PO Box 704, Brookings, SD 57006

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Sign Nicholas Ballis's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 24, 2025

Darrell Heinn posted to the memorial.

April 14, 2025

Todd and Chelli Schneider posted to the memorial.

April 8, 2025

Eidsness Funeral and Cremation Services - Brookings Chapel posted an obituary.