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Andrew Balerud Obituary

Andrew Owen Balerud December 13, 1927 - February 11, 2012 Andy, husband of Barbara Carol Kolden Balerud, passed away last weekend after a recent illness. He was preceded in death by his parents Bert and Amanda Balerud and siblings, Kathryn Larson and Paul Balerud. He is survived by his wife, children: Ann Stump, Marilyn (Hover) Perryman, Susan Kampsen and Thomas Balerud and their families; as well as his sister Pauline Flatness. He joined the Navy and was stationed in Guam during WWII. Andy moved to Minnesota where he received a degree in Sociology from Augsburg College . Early in the first semester he met his "BLE" (Best Love Ever), Barbara. They married on June 12, 1949 in Portland, Oregon. His professional career in youth work took them through four states and allowed him to use his God-given talent of joyful servanthood. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday 2-18-12 @ 2 PM, Christ Lutheran Church, 3830 W. Tulare Ave, Visalia, CA 93277. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Celebration of Life at Christ Lutheran Church or the Tulare County Children's Library in Andy's name. Condolences may be offered at www.millerchapel.com under direction of Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Visalia Times-Delta on Feb. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Balerud

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Lee Schumacher

February 17, 2012

Dear Barbara and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Andy was such a special human being. He made the world of those around him a better place. Just thingking of him now brings a smile to my face.

Keith & Amy Pack

February 17, 2012

Andy embodied the words "Faithful Servant". His reputation for being a champion for the cause and a master fundraiser was well-earned. He was willing to lend a hand whenever he was asked. Andy was a warm and gentle spirit with loads of energy. He always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart, for those he knew well, and for strangers on the street. And what a sense of humor! Whenever I hear an "Ollie joke", Andy will immediately come to mind. We will always picture Barbara at Andy's side, as she was his biggest cheerleader and he cherished her for it. Losing a loved one is such a hard thing, but we won't forget Andy - he will forever be alive in our hearts and memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and the Balerud Family.

Herum's,Balerud's,Borrud's March 2011 Palm Desert

Kathy Borrud

February 16, 2012

Even as I read this obituary page it seems so unreal....our Andy...can't be true!!! He was, and is bigger than life in so many ways. His memory will stay in our hearts forever. Our love to ALL the family, and thank you for sharing your great Husband, Dad, Grandpa,with all of us .
Kathy and Bruce Borrud
Palm Desert CA

Steve Tietjen

February 15, 2012

Andy touched so many lives, he truly lived his faith. People throughout Tulare County have lost a great advocate and visionary. Becky and I want to express our deepest sympathies to Barbara and the family.

February 15, 2012

I'm so sorry to hear of Andy's passing. My condolences to Barbara and the family he leaves behind. He left a great legacy in the hearts and minds of those he touched. I count myself blessed for having known him. Suzanne Moore Clevenger

February 15, 2012

Thank you to the Miller Chapel for the kindness that they have shown our family through this difficult time. We covet all the prayers and condolences sent our way. The Balerud Family

Bill Bettencourt

February 15, 2012

Andy was one of the finest people I have ever known, a real gentleman who cared about the community and everyone that he knew. Our condolences to Barbara and the family. Visalia has lost a great citizen that contributed in so many ways.
Bill & Phyllis Bettencourt

ROB BALLEW

February 15, 2012

ANDY DID WONDERFULTHINGS EVERYWHERE HE WORKED. ANDY HIRED ME IN MY FIRST YMCA JOB WAY BACK IN THE 70'S. THAT WAS A LUCKY THING FOR ME AS HE WAS THE RIGHT MENTOR AND FRIEND. NO ONE LOST MORE MAIN STREET COFFEE CLUB GAMES THAN ANDY. HE TOUCHED THE LIVES OF MANY KIDS AND FAMILIES. THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECASUE OF HIS TIME ON EARTH. ROB BALLEW CEO YMCA OF THE DESERT.

Sandy Beals

February 15, 2012

Andy was so willing to share his expertise. He gave me such great advice over the years to the benefit of hungry families. He was always kind, friendly and funny, a joy to be around. Please accept my sympathy for your loss and my appreciation for having known such a wonderful man.

Celebrating Nolan Kampsen's 1st Birthday

February 15, 2012

Bruce and I want to express our sympathy to Barbara and extended family. We have wonderful and delightful memories with Andy and Barbara at the Kampsen Family gatherings.

Bruce and Janet Adams

Anne Bernardo

February 15, 2012

What a wonderful man! Thinking of Andy and the jokes he would tell always make me smile. We were so lucky to have him and we will miss him deeply.

Brian Estabrooks

February 15, 2012

I'm sorry for your loss.
Brian Estabrooks

EDDY

February 15, 2012

ANDY YOUR PASSING TO HEAVEN IS JUST A CONFIRMATION THAT GOD NEEDED YOU MORE WITH HIM, YOUR GREAT WORK HERE ON EARTH IS OVER AND YOU DONE A GOOD JOB, YOU WERE A LOVING AND GIVING MAN, I THANK YOU ANDY FOR BEING A GOOD AND LOVING FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR, MY KIDS WERE SADDEN OF YOUR LEAVING HOME TO GOD, WE ALL WERE, BUT ANDY ONE DAY WE WILL SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN AND THANK YOU GOD FOR LETTING MY FAMILY AND I KNOW A WONDERFUL LIVING ANGEL THAT ANDY WAS ! YOU WILL BE MISSED BY THOSE MANY LIVES YOU TOUCHED, AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED !

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Miller Memorial Chapel

1120 West Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291

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