Richard “Rich” J. Balcerzak of Helena went to be with the lord on October 18, 2013 after a brief illness of pneumonia. He was surrounded by friends and family at his passing. Rich was born in Helena on August 27, 1952 to Maria (Balcerzak) Peterson and Frank Poplawski. Rich attended school in Helena.
Rich worked at ASARCO for 30 years and retired on 8/27/2002, he then devoted full time to his construction company. He was known for his quality work. Rich was forced to retire and close his construction company after he was injured in 2012.
Rich married Judy Miles and they later divorced, he then married Robin Middlemas and became the step father of Camile Oleson, Jake and Corey Middlemas. After the divorce from Robin he continued his relationship with his step children and loved them dearly. He married Jennifer “Jenny” Fenchak on 4/24/2002.
Rich was very intelligent and able to visualize concepts and put them into building designs. He taught himself DOS, Computer Art, Chief Architect, Auto Cad, and many other skills. At ASARCO Rich worked as a facilitator, master welder, metal fabricator and Industrial Insulator.
Rich used his skill with the computer programs to design homes for himself and other family members. He designed and built the home he lived in until his death.
Rich loved to snow ski, water ski, dance and bowl. Rich was a member of the Elks Club and even served awhile as the treasurer. He was a big brother for a short period of time but after his injury he could not spend much time with his little brother. His injury prevented him from doing the activities he enjoyed most, but would still tinker a bit in his shop surrounded by his tools.
Rich is preceded in death by his father Frank Poplawski, his step mother Mary Poplawski, his brother Francis Balcerzak, his sister-in-law Donalla Balcerzak, his sister Kristie Lamping and his step son Jake Middlemas. Rich is survived by his spouse Jenny of Helena, his mother Maria Peterson, his brothers Joseph (Linda) Balcerzak, Ben (Lori) Balcerzak, Gene (Chris) Balcerzak, step children Corey Middlemas, Camille (Conrad) Duffy, numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
Even though he was in extreme pain the last year of his life he always had a smile for his friends and family and he could make his wife laugh, cry, smile and was loving through it all.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 24, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating Rich’s life will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A potluck reception will follow the burial rite in the social center of the funeral home. Memorials in Rich’s name are suggested to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters; 30 W. 6th Avenue Helena, MT 59601 or to the BPOE (Elks) Lodge #193 Helena, Montana 59601.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 24, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday October 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Friday October 25, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediatetly following the burial
Friday October 25, 2013
Social Center of the funeral home
,
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 24, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday October 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Friday October 25, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediatetly following the burial
Friday October 25, 2013
Social Center of the funeral home
,
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Carol Williams says
Jenny, Marie and family I am so sorry to hear about Rich. He was a great guy and a good friend.
Please let me know if I can do anything for you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Elaine Tufflfi says
So very sorry to hear of your loss Jenny. If there is anything that I can do for you just ask. Prayers are with you.
Scott and Patti Spraycar says
Jenny, how sad we are to hear of Rich passing. Our hearts are broken. We have so much enjoyed spending time with you and Rich up at Rock Creek, and going riding with Rich (we had so much fun). You and Rich are very gracious people, we will miss him.
Love and prayers,
Scott and Patti
Vanessa Tolson says
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts & prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Bless you all
Val Flansaas says
Jenny I am sorry for you loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Val Flansaas and Tom Schneider
Anne LaCroix says
Jenny, I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband. I know there is little I can say to bring you much comfort but please know my thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Zach and Deb says
Zach will hold a special place in his heart for his BBBS brother. Thank you Rich for the times you spent with Zach. You are very special to him. Our condolences to his family.
Ron Shearer & Family says
Jenny,
We just heard about Rich’s homecoming. While our hearts are saddened, we are comforted that he has been reunited with his friend, Wayne. Rich has a very special place in our hearts and he will always be remembered for his magnificent kindness, amazing talents, and the many craftsman lessons he taught Dad and I. As we celebrate his life, we cherish the memories we shared and his never ending love for you.
May God bless you and keep you.
Your Friends,
The Shearers
Kathy Nyman-Wendt says
Jenny,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Rich’s death. I just learned of his passing when family members from Clancy were here last weekend. My heart aches for you and with you at his loss. If we had known sooner, Theresa and I would have tried to come to the service. Please contact me. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Nyman-Wendt