Loretta J. (Langer) Balgord

Loretta Balgord, age 83, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2019, at her home of 57 years.  Her son and daughter, their spouses, and her grandson were by her side.  She was born on November 27, 1935, in Lemonweir Township, Juneau County, the oldest of four children of Roland and Adeline Langer.  She graduated from Mauston High School in 1954 and from Juneau County Teachers College in 1956.  That same year she married Richard Balgord of New Lisbon.  She taught in the New Lisbon School District until 1958 before retiring to raise her family.  Teaching was her lifelong passion and in 1968 she returned to the profession as a substitute teacher and teacher’s aide.  She cherished her school colleagues and, with her endless love for children, continued to teach and guide until 2017.  Loretta was active in many community organizations through the years.  She was a den mother for both Girl and Boy Scouts and a charter member of the Lioness Club, with perfect attendance for its entire 36 years of existence.  Loretta served on the Mile Bluff Medical Center Board, and until the time of her death, was a member of the New Lisbon Memorial Library Board.  She was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church for over 60 years, served on the church council and taught Sunday School.  She was a small but mighty woman.  She is survived by son, Michael (Annette) of Toronto, Canada; daughter, Linda Balgord-Fenton (Andy) of Bronxville, N.Y.; and beloved grandson, Evan Balgord.  She is also survived by her brothers Robert (Carol) of Onalaska; William (Regina) of Lyndon Station; her sister Judie Belk (Karl) of Fond du Lac; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her husband Richard and her parents.  Visitation will be at HARE FUNERAL HOME (217 W. Pearl St), New Lisbon, on Sunday, February 17, 2019, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH (618 W. River St), New Lisbon on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 11 a.m., with a graveside service at the New Lisbon City Cemetery.  Friends may also call at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Rev. Wendy Ruetten presiding.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the New Lisbon Memorial Library Building Fund, 115 West Park Street, New Lisbon, WI  53950 or www.newlisbonlibrary.org. Online condolences available at www.harefuneralhome.com.

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