William “Bill” Balek passed away on May 6, 2025, at St. James Hospital in Butte, MT surrounded by his wife and children.
Born on October 27, 1951, in Devils Lake, North Dakota. He was the youngest of 3 children born to Adolph and Georgia Balek of Brocket, ND. He married the love of his life Jeanne Hanson June 17th, 1978, in Litchville, ND. Bill lived a life full of energy, determination, and endless love for his family, work, and a good story.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne; his children Brady Balek (fiancé Kayla), Allison Balek (fiancé Clint), and Molly Waller (son-in-law Ryan); his grandchildren Griffin, Hadley, Teigan, and Piper; his three son-to-be bonus grandchildren, Blayne, Ellie, Calvin, and Jordan Balek.
Bill grew up on the farm in Brocket and helped with the daily maintaining of the homestead, up early to milk and feed the cows, always with a gripe in his mind and a bucket in hand. He was also active in St. Joesphs Church as an Alter Boy in his hometown of Brocket ND, at an early age being redirected by the Priest to “pay attention Billy” a wondering curious mind even early on.
His role as a father and grandfather was one he treasured deeply — just one call away from giving Dad advice, wanted or not, coming to fix any and all the of the things or just enjoying some quality time with his children. He was always on the sidelines for all the grandkids’ many activities cheering them on or complaining about the weather. He cherished the bike visits from his grandson Griffin, who made it a point to stop before school for a morning chat and maybe breakfast. Bill loved overnight stays at his home with Hadley & Teigan and Griffin & Piper.
Bill was a true jack-of-all-trades, a man who wore many hats over the years—each one with grit and an unmistakable sense of purpose. From working at the grain elevator in Brocket, ND, to delivering soda, director of operations with Taco John’s, managing Bonanza restaurants in several states and Canada, paint factory worker, building houses, working at a power plant, as well as a rock buyer for Tumble Stone in Hayden—Bill did it all. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to be a founder and area developer of his own Bonanza restaurants, T-Birds Nite Club in Billings, MT and later with establishments like Rowdy’s in Lewiston, ID and Flamin’ Joes in Spokane, WA.
His love of water then led him to become a houseboat owner and rental operator on Lake Coeur d’Alene, which evolved into a career as a manufacturers’ rep for multiple boating companies for over 30 years, including Bennington, Forest River Marina and Montara. He enjoyed the many years spent working with and traveling with Brady, teaching him the boat business. He loved being the middleman, connecting people and helping them find what they needed, often before they even knew it themselves.
Bill’s true talents extended far beyond business. He could fix anything, build anything, and sell anything. He had a deep love for singing, dancing and just good conversations, especially when it came to sharing (or gathering) the latest gossip with Alli and Molly. Whether with friends, family, or strangers, who quickly became both, Bill was always “in the know” of all the latest and greatest and enjoyed his Appleway office (Paddy’s).
He loved traveling with Jeanne, especially to their winter retreat in Arizona—which he affectionately called the “shit box trailer house,” where he recruited Brady, his brother-in-law Larry and sister Pat for many major renovations. But nothing brought him more joy than his home in Hayden, Idaho, which served as a revolving door for his children, grandchildren, and friends. It was there that he made the most memories—hosting, laughing, storytelling, and simply enjoying life.
Bill attended Wahpeton State College in North Dakota and often regaled his family with stories about his infamous Red Meat Course 211—a tale that always brought laughter.
Bill is proceeded in death by Adolph Balek (Father), Georgia Balek (Mother), and Jason Balek (Son).
Bill’s humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom will be missed by all who knew him—but his stories will live on, just as he would have wanted.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11am, Monday, May 19, 2025 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E Haycraft Ave, Coeur D’Alene, ID 83815, with a reception to follow.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Bill and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Bill.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11am
Monday May 19, 2025
St. Pius X Catholic Church
625 E Haycraft Ave
Coeur D'Alene, Idaho 83815
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11am
Monday May 19, 2025
St. Pius X Catholic Church
625 E Haycraft Ave
Coeur D'Alene, Idaho 83815
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Ron Erbele says
You taught me so much and I taught you little. You were always larger than life, and you will be sorely missed, buddy.
Love you, rest in peace.
Paige Erbele says
Christmas, Thanksgiving, and all holidays in between were always made with Uncle Bills big booming laugh and delicious food. He had a big personality and even a bigger heart. I love you so much and I’ll miss you forever
Byron A Kidd says
To Jeanne and the entire family
We were saddened to hear about the loss of Bill. Just know our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Byron and Carol
Joyce Erickson Carter says
Rest in peace. a great man who was raised in Brocket ND!
Dan and Sandy Nelson says
Jeanne and family, So sad to hear this news. Words at this time are hard to come by, but want you to know we are thinking about all of you at this difficult time. May the many memories of Bill live in your hearts forever……. The day will come when you’ll think of Bill and the thoughts and stories will bring you a smile in place of a tear.
Audrey Rich says
Jeanne breaks my heart to get the news this morning. He always had a smile. Hope that you continue to come back to sun lakes. Prayers for you and family Audrey
Ann Erbele says
Bill was my brother in law. Meeting him the first time was awesome! He had this aura of confidence and charm that you cannot ignore. I loved him instantly. Throughout all the years, which were many, I visited he and my beautiful sister many times. I remember seeing them in Canada when they were starting out with Bonanza. He was in his element for sure !! Seeing him with those boys was amazing! Those Canadian boys weren’t that bad either ! I also visited them often when they were in Billings Montana and Idaho. That’s when my family moved to Coeur d Alene. Caught up in this glorious area we settled down and stayed. So many many Thanksgiving’s, Easter’s and Christmas’s were spent as family and were cherished beyond measure. For me, Ron and my girls he was the memory of fun, boating outings, bbqs, and love. I will always remember his bear hugs, fun stories-and he had many! Always the hostess for all of the get togethers, because he loved us all. And that extended to his family and any other person who walked in with his kids. I mostly remember Packy – Brady’s best buddy at the time. I was granted so many memories with this gentle giant! He was not just an in law, he was my friend, my confidant, and my partner in crime. I will miss him all of my days, forever 💕🥺💋.
Michael Blake says
Jeanne and family,
I am so sorry for the tragic loss of your wonderful husband and father. There are no words to express to help soothe the sadness and pain you are all dealing with. Know that my heart goes out to you Jeanne and your family.
Sonja Severtson Meissner says
Billy was my childhood/teen friend. We had many adventures in Brocket and a great deal of fun. I treasure those times. RIP Billy