Robert "Duffy" T. Baillies, Jr. Obituary (1918

Pardeeville - Robert Thomas "Duffy" Baillies, age 96, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2014 at Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena. Robert was born on the family farm in Pardeeville on March 5, 1918, the son of Robert and Sara (Thomas) Baillies. He excelled in sports and was the center on the Pardeeville 1936 State Championship Basketball Team. On January 27, 1947, he was united in marriage with Dorothy Mae Kleist at the Little Brown Church in Iowa. One child blessed their marriage, Sandra Jean. Robert farmed his entire life. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting, fishing, trapping and he loved to curl. During World War II, Robert was a scout for the 173rd field artillery BN of the 5th army, achieving the rank of corporal. He saw action in North Africa and Italy and was a member of the VFW. Survivors include his grandsons, Michael Balsiger of Pardeeville and Steven Balsiger of Chicago; two great granddaughters, Jessilyn Balsiger of Eau Claire and Jenna Balsiger of Portage; many nieces, nephews and other near relatives and dear friends. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Mae, October 15, 2004; his daughter, Sandra Jean, December 20, 1987; his parents; a sister, Velma; and brothers, Harold and Bernard. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 6, 2014 from the First Presbyterian Church in Pardeeville with Pastor Julie Waterdu officiating. Burial will follow at Pardeeville Cemetery with full military honors. Friends may call the Smith Funeral Home in Pardeeville on Friday, December 5, 2014 from 4 to 7:00 PM and on Saturday at church from 10:00 AM until the time of services. 2d:{"d