Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Charley Balsam, age 74, of Miles City

May 4, 1943 – February 2, 2018

Charley Balsam passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, February 2, 2018. Charley was born May 4, 1943 in Billings, Montana to E.G. and Loretta Balsam.

Charley’s parents moved to Miles City and that is where he grew up and spent the rest of his life.

Charley graduated from Custer County High School in 1961.  After high school he attended college at MSU in Bozeman.  Charley returned to the Miles City area and went to work for John and Helen Hamilton on their ranch at Moon Creek.  Doc and Det purchased a ranch on the Powder River, Southeast of Miles City in 1963.  Charley moved to the ranch and became the manager.

Charley met his true love, Madonna Orestad, and they were married on June 26, 1965.  They made their life and home together at the ranch.

In November, 1966 the couple had a son Shane, then in June, 1969 they added a daughter-Jonette.  Charley spent a great deal of time on the ranch with his family and cattle.  He also was a very active member of the Montana Cattleman Association, serving two terms as president as well as a director. Charley was very involved in the community and served on the rural school board for the Riverview School for eighteen years.

Charley was also very involved in the leafy spurge program, helping in having sheep graze the rivers. Charley and son Shane scattered spurge beetles to help slow down the spurge.

As a member of the turf club, Charley harrowed the track and ran the water truck after each race. For a number of years quarter horses were also raised on the ranch. These included three stallions and several mares. The horses were multi-talented, great in cutting, lots of cow and reining. Many ribbons and trophies were won, including several with Charley himself and his horse Clovis. As time passed the ranch had a dispersion sale and sold all of the horses but a few mares and one stud. The horses were great for kids in 4-H and also for ranch horses. The horse business was a lot of work but we surely enjoyed it. Charley took great pride in his livestock, being very proud of the Red Angus cows and Limousin bulls, which produced a very sale-able and attractive offspring. Charley always had a few “pets” he could hand feed.

In 2010 Charley went to Billings for kidney dialysis; this involved trips to Billings three days a week, faithfully accompanied by his wife. Charley gallantly endured the ordeal, but finally due to ill health he stopped dialysis. Charley’s big heart stopped beating and he was released from all hardships and pain.

Charley was preceded in death by his parents, niece DawnDee, sister Nannette, brothers in law, Ron Lee and Joe Orestad, and father in law Ed Orestad.

Charley is survived by his wife, Madonna. Son, Shane; daughter, Jonette Doeden (Dirk); grandchildren: Hunter, Jakob and Tate Doeden; Kolette and Heath Balsam. His sisters Detta Graham and Barb Lee; a brother Bill Balsam (Margaret) and many nieces and nephews and his paternal uncle Fred Balsam.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday February 7, 2018

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Thursday February 8, 2018

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday February 7, 2018

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Thursday February 8, 2018

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. To Madonna, Shane, Jonette and all the family -So very sorry for the loss of Charley. He fought hard and can rest now.

    You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  2. Donna, Shane, Jonette and all…………………..I just sit here, just sit here. I can fondly remember when Bill and Charlie accepted me to play in their huge double bedroom with their trucks and trains and stuff in perhaps 1951 or 1952 when I was four (4) or five (5) and they were both old enough to not want to have to put up with me just because Det and Mary were enjoying coffee together. This was when Det and Doc lived in the fabulous home where Virginia Coffee resides next to Wibaux Park. Also, must tell you all, I also fondly remember when Mary Shipley’s pride and joy saddle horse, Handsome, was in with the Balsam horses where MCC now stands and Bill and Charlie could not mount him unless they got his head down in a bucket of oats and then could jump up on his neck and slide onto his back. And those two (2) enjoyed this trick a lot. I guess I never did ride Handsome, he was too damned tall, more than sixteen (16) hands for me and I was not very big.
    Charlie’s long hard fight is over. It has been won. He is now in Heaven with Det and Doc and Nannette and
    Ed Orestad and all his friends……………………..forever.
    The last mile……………….oh, Father GOD, why is it so very long.
    All my love to each of you forever as well……………………Rob Shipley

  3. Madonna, Jonette, Shane and families our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather, Charlie. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers! Laurie, Duane, Anna and Bryan Claypool

  4. Oh Madonna, I am so sorry to read this. Sending my sympathy to you & your family. I bet Charlie & Norm are having s good visit.

  5. Madonna, Jonette and Shane and families, So sorry to hear about Charlie. He fought a long, hard battle but is free now! Think of all the fun times we had together when the kids were little — good memories! Keeping you all in prayer. Clarence and Ingrid

  6. Madonna, Shane, Jonette and families, my sincere condolences to all of you at this time and in the days ahead. He fought a hard battle and you as a family right along side him – cherish the good memories. I know he and Karl are having quite a discussion right now! They had a business relationship for many years but I know Karl also considered him a friend. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
    Pam Rogge

  8. Madonna, Jonette, Shane and families,
    So very sorry to hear of your loss. May he rest in peace and may your memories live on in your hearts and minds and provide comfort during this difficult time. My thought & prayers are with you all.

  9. Madonna and Family. Very sorry to read the news of Charlie’s passing. . Recently, I recall the time I and some of my family spent with Madonna when our paths crossed at Billings Clinic. Which I assure you makes this hard on all of us. No amount of words can assuage the grief you are feeling , but I hope in time, all the good memories of Charlie temper the pain you are feeling now with his passing.

  10. To Madonna, Shane, Jonette and families.
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending my thoughts, prayers, love and hugs.

  11. Madonna, Shane and Jonette, We are so sad to learn of your loss. May your heart be filled with good memories and know that you are not alone during this hard time.

  12. We are so sorry, you all are in our thoughts and prayers. I know that you will treasure your memories and wonderful Charlie stories. He was a great friend and we will miss him. May the Lord hold you all close as you go through these next days.

  13. Madonna, Shane, Jonette and families, May your memories and Gods love comfort you at this time. We always enjoyed Charlie. Now him and Uncle Ray and Aunt Fern can coffee together again.
    Tom and Kathy Strub

  15. Madonna and family, I am so sorry for your loss and I’ll be keeping you in my prayers. It is so hard to lose the ones we love so much. May you feel God’s presence close beside you in the days and weeks ahead. I always liked visiting with Charlie. He will be missed by so very many!
    ~ Jana

  18. So sorry to hear of Charley’s passing. I met Charley years ago while working for Doc at Midland Lumber. I always enjoyed running into Charley and chatting. He was a good man and will be missed by many. Cherish all your fond memories. RIP Charley.

    Colette Butcher

  19. Madonna, Shane, and Jonette,
    Jonette, I don’t believe I ever had the privilege of meeting your dad, but I sure felt like I knew him well as you and I went through college. I know he was a strong and respected man. Jerry and I send our thoughts and prayers to your family.

  20. Donna and Family,
    The family of Dick and Betty Chezum hold you in our hearts and prayers. We remember Charlie as a youngster visiting Johnny and Helen Hamilton and as a kind friend.

  21. Madonna. Shane, Jonette,& families,
    Sorry so to hear of Charleys passing! You are all in our thoughts and prayers! RIP Charley you will be greatly missed. Hugs to all of you!

  22. Madonna, Jonette, Shane and your family’s. We are so sorry to hear of your sadness and the loss of Charlie. He has been so sick for so long. He will now have peace and rest. You all have been through so much also. May you find peace and rest as well. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can help in any way, let us know. God bless.

  23. Shane and Jonette,
    So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  24. Condolence to the family.Charlie was a good friend and neighbor for many years.

  25. Madonna, Shane, and family, I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. He was a wonderful man and a fine friend to have. Thinking of you.

  26. Balsam Family(s):

    I am truly sorry for your loss. My most sincere condolences to the entire family. Charlie was one of a kind. I loved visiting with Charlie. He was a fine man, respected by those who knew him. I know that he is no longer struggling with medical issues and hope that thought can give you peace. I know that his loss will be sorely felt. Having lost my own father 20 years ago and my husband 2 1/2 years ago, I can well-understand the depth of your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you all especially during this most painful time.

  27. Oh My!! This was such hard news to get. I have a flood of memories…School, Sage Riders,our parents did so many activites together . Donna what sweet memories I have of you…may God Keep You in the hollow of HIS hand. Many Blessings, Linda

  29. To the family of Charlie Balsam, Jim and I are so sorry for your loss. The whole family was so admired as he fought for so long. Well done you guys.

  31. Madonna, Jonette, Shane and families,
    We are so sorry to hear about Charley. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at his difficult time. Hold on to all the wonderful memories. God bless you all.

  33. We are so very sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed you Madonna and Charlie at our store. Charlie has certainly struggled for quite awhile and just pray God will comfort you. Scott & Voni Tally

  34. Jonette and Shane,
    I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Sending you comforting thoughts during this difficult time.

  35. Madonna, Shane, Jonette and families, so sorry for your loss. Cherish all the memories you had with Charlie. Those memories you can share with the future generations and keep his memory and legacy alive.
    Love you guys! Praying that you feel God’s arms around you and comforting you.
    Konnie

  36. Very sorry to hear this news. So many great memories of Charley through grade school, high school, Jr Sage Riders, Bucking Horse Sale, 4H and as cherished friend. He will be missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family during this difficult time. Love and hugs to all,
    Jim

  37. Madonna, Shane, Jonette, and families, please accept my condolences on Charlie’s passing. It has been a long,hard battle and he now rests with his Savior. May you all find comfort and peace as he has. It is such a difficult time for you all. I pray that your grief will soften in time. Jan

  38. So sorry to hear of Charley’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time. Had many great memories during our school years and our Class of ’61 mourns with another of our great classmates passing. May you Rest In Peace Charley. Dale Schaak

  39. Madonna and family,
    May Jesus be your peace during the days ahead. You’ve had a long row to hoe. Charlie was blessed!

  42. To the Balsam Family;
    Thinking of and praying for you all. So sorry for your loss! Hugs and prayers.

  43. Madonna, you and your family are in our prayers. God bless you and remember you are loved by many and by our wonderful Lord Jesus. The journey was hard but now there can be peace and rest. Much love, Denny and Ardelle Jurica

  45. To the Family, Our condolences on your loss of Charley. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  46. Charlie and Donna were both in the class of 61′ and I worked a short time with Doc and Bill Balsam at Northern Tank Lines before moving to Billings. As Jim Thompson said, “Always remembered, Never Forgotten.”

    Charlie always made me feel good when I would see him. God Bless You Donna.
    AKA Dolores Christensen

  48. I was saddened to hear that Charlie had passed, my thoughts and prayers are with Madonna and the Balsam family.

  49. Madonna — Just a short note to let you know I’m thinking of you. So sorry to learn of Charlie’s passing. His last few years were not an easy chapter in your lives. May your good and happy memories sustain you.

  50. Thinking of your family during this time of loss. Our prayers are with all of you.

  51. Madonna,shane,jonette we were so very sorry to hear about Charlie.you are in our hearts and prayers charlie fought a courageous battle and is now at peace.may the lord wrap you in his arms and comfort you

  52. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Find peace in love in all the memories.
    Hugs, Travis, DeAnna & Hadli Anderson

  54. Anna Rae Robinette
    Dear Madonna and family.
    So sorry for your loss. Charley can rest now. Love to you and yours.

  55. I have fond memories of Charley from when I did the accounting for the ranch in the 70’s. I was at Northern Tank Line from 1971 to 1977. My condolences to the Balsam Family.

  58. MaDonna and family. So saddened with hearing of the loss of Charlie. He was a good friend in dialysis. He fought the good fight and moved on. We all will miss him. God grant you comfort and peace. Irene Gumm from Terry.

  59. We are so sorry for your loss, you will be in our prayers. Charley is at peace now. May God bless and keep you all.

  60. So Sorry for your loss praying for god to give you the strength now and in the days to come

  61. Madonna my heart goes out to you and your family. Charley fought a long battle but he can rest now . My wish to You Madonna is that in the next coming months and years the stress from this event will ease and you will have a Stressless and peaceful life. Wayne Smith

  62. We are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed the lunches we had and always the good visits. Charlie is at peace. We will see you next week. Prayers and love.

    Duane and Karen Shelhamer

  63. Madonna, Jonette, Shane and family members: Each of you are in our prayers for your comfort and solace as you mourn the loss of Charley. Rest assured he has escaped the pains and cares of this world. May our God wrap you in His peace and love.

  64. Dearest Jonette, Shane, Aunt Madonna, and family,

    I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Uncle Charley will be so missed by all of us, and most of all, by those he was the closest to, by those who loved him the most- all of you. He was so blessed to have your endless love and devotion… of which I know you freely gave, just as he generously and freely gave his love and devotion to you.
    My heart is so heavy for you, and I pray that God will bring you all of the peace and comfort that you need. I hope that you will find peace and joy in your memories.

    There is nothing I wish more then that I could be there to give you all a big hug, and to celebrate the amazing life of a wonderful and precious man. Please know you are in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers.

    With all of my love,
    Brianne

  65. Donna, Shane, Jonette and family.
    I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

  66. Dear family,
    I cherish the time we spent together at the ranch. I love the memory of riding in the hills. Together you had two kids who are very special to me. You were second parents to my son, Heath. Charlie can rest now and will always be in our mind and our Heavenly Father’s also.

  67. So Sorry to hear about Charley. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you with His love and comfort. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
    Deb ( Moths) Schmeling

  68. I am so sorry to learn of this. Last time I saw Charley was in the late ’90s while I was at the empty tankline building visiting my brother, Bob,who ‘did the books.’ Charley was two years younger but Bill’s little brother. I remember birthday parties from those very early years across from Wibaux Park. To all of you, my sincere sympathy.

  69. Charlie was so kind and thoughtful, being my big brother, he was always my protector. He even chased off the Fish and Wildlife guys when I didn’t tag a deer just right. He gave me my first registered Quarter horse, a beautiful bay mare named Cowboy’s Nora. I will be forever grateful for his impact on my life. Heaven gained a Great Cowboy and he will be greatly missed.

  70. Madonna, Jonette, Shane and families and all of Charley’s family….most heartfelt condolences too each of you. May your memories of happy times be a comfort to you. Holding you close in my heart and in my prayers.

  72. Madonna, Shane , Jonette and the entire family, my condolences go out to you. Hope Charley is finally resting in peace. Cherish all the memories.

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