Donald A. Baillie
Donald A. Baillie, 90, who was a longtime resident and business owner in Brule, WI, died on Monday, January 11th, 2021 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. Don was born in Superior, WI on November 14th; 1930, the son of Alex and Ida (Follis) Baillie.
After graduating from high school in 1949, Don, his father Alex, and brother Bob started Baillie Oil Company. During that time, Don honorably served his country in the United States Army in the Korean War. Don met and later married Ruth Gehling on May 14th, 1960. The marriage came with three children, Ron, Roxanne, and Rita whom he loved as his own. Don and Ruth were also blessed with a son, Bruce, and daughter, Pam. Don and Ruth were together for 57 years until Ruth’s death in 2018.
People could always find Don at the Baillie Oil office, at one of the stores, or in his Winter home in Texas. He was always quick to smile and share a good laugh. He loved to garden, play golf and spend time with his family. On many summer days you could find Don sitting in a lawn chair enjoying his children, grandchildren, and holding another new great grandchild. After he lost Ruth, he found friendship with Kay Johnson who shared his love of good food and family. Don had an extraordinary ability to express love and caring to all who were fortunate to know him. His knowledge of Brule and the surrounding community would amaze us and lead to wonderful conversations.
Don and Bob split Baillie Oil Company in 1981. Don continued to run the family business for a total of 57 years before retiring in 2006. He was a member of the Brule Presbyterian Church, and was a 60-year member of the Brule Lions Club. He was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Award of which he was very proud of as a Lions member. Words cannot express the love his family has for him, and he will be missed.
He is survived by son Ron (Deb Smith) Steuck, West Bend, WI; son Bruce (Cathy) Baillie, Brule, WI; daughter Roxanne Steuck; daughter Rita (Doug) Ray, Eagan, MN; Eagan, MN; and daughter Pam (Mark) Johnson, Brule, WI; 17 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth; parents Alex and Ida; brother Bob and his wife Ruth Baillie; and son-in-law Doug Ray.
Due to current restrictions on group gatherings, a Memorial Service will be held in the Spring. Burial service will follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Brule.
The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.