Mueller Funeral Home

Richard (Rich) or (Richie) Lance Balfanz

06/28/1950 - 10/16/2025

Richard “Rich” or “Richie” Lance Balfanz, of Winneconne, Wisconsin passed away suddenly in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the age of 75. He was born June 28, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois.

Family and friends describe Rich as a kind and welcoming man who was always ready to help others in any situation. He never met a stranger with whom he couldn’t have a conversation.

In addition to his love of people, he loved nature, music, riding his bike, and in previous years, kayaking with his wife and friends. Rich enjoyed golf, gardening, music, traveling, and was always up for an adventure. His joyful spirit was evident to everyone who met him.

Rich is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Peggy Waddell Balfanz; his children and step-children, Alexander (Roberta) Balfanz, of Boone, Iowa; Kimberly (Joseph) Chelsvig, of Story City, Iowa; Gayla (Matthew) Maynard, of Freedom, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Parker and Gabriel Balfanz; Benjamin, Dawson, and Christian Chelsvig; Dawson Mundy; great-grandson, Oliver; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Balfanz and Dorothy Balfanz Teas.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church 32 S. 3^rd Ave. Winneconne, with Pastor Emily Lueder officiating. There will be no visitation prior to the memorial service. Following the memorial service a visitation and reception will be held at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 2021 N. Kinney Rd. Tucson, AZ 85743.

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.

Guestbook

Jerry Mortimer wrote on October 28, 2025
My deepest condolences Peggy. Rich was an amazing man. He made work a little more enjoyable everytime he was there. He was kind and so very helpful. I enjoyed listening to his stories, especially when he would talk about the wildlife in the back yard. He will be truly missed. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Mary Schmude wrote on October 25, 2025
Remembering one of the best people I knew. Rest in peace Rich..... You´ll be missed by many.

Judy Jacobson wrote on October 23, 2025
Dear Peggy, I am so sorry to learn about Rich. I was glad to be able to speak to him when I was there in September. You are in my prayers for healng. It takes time...Don't rush it.??

Ken & Marlene Shadle wrote on October 23, 2025
Peggy & families, May you find comfort in the many loving memories you'll carry in your hea.rts forever. Sorry to hear Rich went so fast. Remembering the fun we had at DeeDees & at your home. Ken & Marlene

Robin Hink wrote on October 23, 2025
Sorry for your loss

Paulette wrote on October 23, 2025
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Peggy, and family. Sending heartfelt condolences and wishes for peace in your hearts MY BELOVED: I AM WITH YOU STILL. DO YOU NOT BUT NOTICE THIS ANCIENT BRILLIANT LIGHT THAT SHINES AWAY ALL DARKNESS: ALWAYS PRESENT, EVER BRIGHT? DO YOU NOT KNOW THE MELODY OF THIS VOICE BORNE ON SOFT WHISPERING BREEZES? AND IN RAINDROPS, AND MOONBEAMS… AS THEY FALL GENTLY UPON THE EARTH… CAN YOU NOT HELP BUT NOTICE GLIMMERS OF DIAMOND LIGHT ON THE EARLIEST MORNING DEW? HERE , I SMILE AMIDST SEEMING PETALS AND LEAVES… JUST FOR YOU. KNOW THIS: I AM WITH YOU STILL. I WALKED WITH YOU - FOR A LITTLE WHILE… ON THIS EARTHLY PLANE WITH BODILY SHAPE AND FORM: WHILST EVER WITHIN, GOD’S GIFT AS SPIRIT: TEACHING AND SHARING WITH US THE GLORIOUS ESSENCE OF LOVE: THAT OF ME, THAT OF YOU! SO NOW, I AM REMEMBRANCE: i RETURN AS TRUTH- AMIDST ANGEL’S WINGS BEYOND THE MIST I LIVE, STILL - AS THAT WHICH WE HAVE ALWAYS AND EVER BEEN: LOVE, WHICH ALWAYS AND ONLY IS. ETERNAL BEINGS, YOU AND ME - NEVER TO BE APART. LOVINGNESS FOREVER ENVELOPS WE, IN HOLINESS, ALWAYS HELD: SAFELY , WITHIN THIS HEART. I AM LOVE: FOREVER, MY BEING… AS GOD’S WILL. SPIRIT, TOGETHER I AM WITH YOU STILL! ~P. P. P P. Elberti

Suzannah Cannon Milling wrote on October 23, 2025
Peggy, I’m so sorry to hear this. Take care cousin. I will be thinking about you.

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