BALMER, Garland "Sam" C., age 57

Died: Wednesday, December 6th, 2017

Mass of Christian Burial: 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire with Father Tom Krieg officiating

Visitation: from 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass at church on Wednesday

Interment: Rest Haven Cemetery, Town of Washington, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for an educational fund for the boys.

Garland "Sam" C. Balmer, age 57, of Eau Claire died on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 in Bayfield County, Wisconsin.

Sam was born on November 30, 1960 to Francis and Alice (Toy) Balmer in Kenmare, North Dakota. His family eventually settled in Ashland, WI where he met and married Anna Marie Skulan on June 16, 1990 and then made their home in Eau Claire, WI. They were blessed with 2 incredible sons, Garrett and Caleb.

Sam attended CVTC, UW Stout, and Lakeland College obtaining degrees in business and accounting. He worked 23 years in the Menards Accounting and Finance Department as a Senior Accountant.

Sam's love for his children always came first. His greatest joy was watching his sons playing in a variety of sports. He loved the Minnesota Vikings and had great hopes for them winning the Super Bowl this year. His infectious laugh, singing and whistling when coming home from work and his incredible kindness and generosity to family and friends will always be remembered. Sam would spend hours watching cooking shows then creating his own incredible specialties that he shared with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Marie; sons, Garrett and Caleb and family dog, Zoey; mother and father, Alice and Francis Balmer of Ashland; siblings, Candace (Charles) Schudar of Shelbyville, TN, Donald (Sonia) Balmer of Thief River Falls, MN, Bonnie (Dean) Jansheski of Beavercreek, OH, and Eleanor (Loren) Munson of Ashland; mother- and father-in-law, Betty and Harry Skulan of Delta, WI; brothers-in-law, Harry, David, and Scott Skulan of Ashland; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.