Ronald Balde

Ronald Balde, 82, of Winter Haven, Fla., died May 18, 2021,  surrounded by his wife and family.

He was born on June 13, 1938, in Sheboygan, Wis., to Gottfried and Elizabeth Balde.

Ron married his first wife, Dana, and they had three children. He later married his current wife, Nancy, on April 25, 1992.

He started his career at Weaver’s Office Supply, Sheboygan, and became the sales manager. This would lead to his next role as general manager at Philipp Sales, Inc. in Belgium.

Ron would eventually purchase the company and successfully grew the organization, which lead to the purchase of Tiki Torch, Inc. and Holiday Trims, Inc.

Ron was an exceptional salesman and was proud to see the company pass on to the third generation.

After his retirement, he worked part-time for Publix Supermarket to stay active in the community. He was Mr. Publix to his customers.  

He also served as president of the Port Washington Rotary Club.

Ron and Nancy enjoyed life to the fullest. His positive attitude, quick wit and ability to make people happy were Ron’s specialties.

They were avid boaters and RV enthusiasts, and Ron was a DIY expert.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Nancy. He is survived by his children Kurt (Mary Jo) of Sheboygan, Scott (Mary Lee of Oostburg and Lisa of Sheboygan and stepchildren Brian (Susan) McCarthy of Alpharetta, Ga., Margo Donohue of Coon Rapids, Minn., and Kevin McCarthy of Milwaukee.

 He is further survived by seven grandsons, Nicholas (Addie), Joshua (Tricia), Matthew (Stephanie), Bryan (Rachel), Lucas (Sara), Travis (Becky) and Jacob (Megan) Balde and stepgrandchildren Sarah, Erin and Jack McCarthy and Josh and Brian Donohue.

He was also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepchildren David and Molly McCarthy and stepson-in-law John Donahue.

 A memorial will be held in Ron’s honor on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Sheboygan.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials to Journeys End Animal Rescue or the American Cancer Society are suggested.