Ronald J. "Ron" Balder, 80, of New Berlin, passed away at 7:35 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019, at Heritage Health in Springfield. Ron was born March 10, 1939, in Hammond, IN, the son of Harry and Martha Kortenhover Balder. He married Linda Louise Wake on June 12, 1971, at the Westside Christian Church in Springfield; she preceded him in death on August 24, 2008. Ron was a 1957 graduate of Thornton Fractional Township High School in Calumet City and went on to attend Hope College in Holland, MI. He served in the United States Army from 1958 - 1962. Ron was employed by the State of Illinois for 18 years. He was a member of the Berlin Christian Church and enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and caring for his family. Ron was also preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children, Natalie (Scott) Nichols, Gregory Balder and Christopher (Lisa) Balder, all of New Berlin; and four grandchildren. Funeral Ceremony: 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at Butler Funeral Home-New Berlin, 714 E. Gibson Street, New Berlin with Rev. Mary Ellen Sharp officiating. Private interment will be held at Woodwreath Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald J. Balder Memorial Fund, c/o Illinois Educators Credit Union,1420 S. 8th Street, Springfield, IL 62703.
