Obituary for Herbert "Tom" Balderson

Herbert Thomas Balderson of Portland, age 86, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 20, 1939, the son of Herbert and Doris (Phillips) Balderson. Tom was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1957. Soon after, he began his working career with Consumers Power as a meter reader in Lansing and then became a lineman, where he worked in both Ionia and Greenville before retiring after 40 years of service. Tom started his landscaping business in the early 1970's alongside his sons, teaching them the value of hard work and perseverance and continued working into his early 80’s. Tom's work ethic was impeccable, as he became a role model to his children, grandchildren, and those that worked beside him. His legacy will live on through "Balderson and Son's Landscaping".

On October 24, 1959, Tom married Marylin Ann (Dutcher) in Portland, Michigan and they shared 56 years of marriage while raising their five children.

Tom always had a good story or joke to tell and will be remembered for his sense of humor. He loved to play cards, whether at a family get together or with his 'set back' friends, a quick trip to the casino, an avid horse shoe player, and his love for sprint car races.

Family was everything to Tom and his memory will live on through his children and grandchildren. We were blessed to have dad with us for 86 years and will miss him dearly.

Preceding him in death were his parents, sister, Patricia, in-laws, Jack Feldpausch, Sylvester and Bernita Dutcher, William and Joyce Dutcher, and Richard and Ellie Bigford; grandsons, Fred Lowery III and Carson Reed. Surviving Tom are his children, Kurt (Julie) Balderson, Rick (Barbara) Balderson, Amy (Fred) Lowery, Doug (Lisa) Balderson, and Lisa (Gordon) Belt, grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Vallier, Kyle (Trisha) Balderson, Paige (Peter) Ellis, Josh (Dede) Balderson, Nathan Balderson, Ryan (Anna) Balderson, Claire Balderson, Grace (Zach) Whitney, Holly (Erick) Sundstrum, 11 great-grandchildren and one on the way, and special friend, Gladys Heckman, sister, Roxanne Feldpausch and a brother, Joe and Sue Balderson.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mike Alber on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland, Michigan. Rite of Committal will follow at Danby Township Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland. The rosary will be prayed at 1:30 p.m. prior to visitation. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude's or the Portland Conservation Club in memory of Tom. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.