Harold W. Balzum, 88, Ada, Minnesota, died Sunday, April 30, 2017, at Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley, MN.

Harold William "Sonny" Balzum was born on September 12, 1928 at home in Mary Township, to William Herman and Anna Augusta (Cirks) Balzum. He was baptized on November 4, 1928, and, later, confirmed in 1942, at Zion Lutheran Church, Ada. Sonny was a mischievous youngster, always wondering what would happen if he climbed the windmill or if he hooked a wagon to a bull? His family moved from Mary Township to Pleasant View Township, where he met his friend of 80 years, Vernon Skalsky. They had lots of fun together and that friendship grew throughout his life.

Harold worked with his dad on the home farm planting the land. Later, he went to work for his Uncle George Balzum at Red River Electric. In 1950, he was drafted into the United States Army with the 16 ^th Signal Battalion, serving until 1952. Harold met Joyce Prestegaard in Twin Valley, MN, while attending a basketball game with Vernie and Bud.

On July 5, 1953, Harold was united in marriage to the love of his life Joyce Prestegaard, at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley. They made their home near Ada, MN. He started working for Ada Telephone Co., later called Loretel, working for Ken and Helen Ellefson. Harold enjoyed his 53 years with the phone company and the many great people he met along the way. The Ellefson family was held in great honor by Harold.

Harold was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, and a member of the VFW Post 7557. He enjoyed traveling each summer with Joyce to many parts of the U.S. and especially enjoyed his Army Reunions. The Balzum's were known for their beautiful flowers and Harold took a lot of pride in this and it was revealed at his home. Hunting deer, fox and wild ricing with the Skalsky's and Wagner's and spending time with family and friends brought a lot of joy to Harold.

Harold is survived by four children: Cheryl (Wayne) Roquet, Julie (Rick) Lisburg, Renae (Kelly) Kappes, and Gary Balzum, all of Ada; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; brother and sisters: William (Barbara), St Cloud, MN, Alice Smith, Twin Cities, MN, and Ramona (Don) Skaurud, Twin Valley, MN; special nephew, Roger (Kathy) Dyrdahl, Perley, MN; several cousins, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Joyce.

Funeral: 11:00AM, Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: Friday, May 5, 2017, from 5-7PM with a prayer service at 6:30PM at the church.

Interment: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.