Richard T. Balder

Richard Thomas Balder of Palmdale, California died with his brother, Bruce at his side, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, following complications of a hip fracture.

Richard was born in Crosby, MN on April 22, 1953 to Willard and Elvera Balder.He was raised in Hoyt Lakes and graduated from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School in 1972.

He left the cold winters of northern Minnesota for the warmth of sunny California, with never a desire to move back. He was very proud of his 25 year career as a stage technician in Hollywood and Los Angeles CA.  He retired from MGM and Paramount studios in 2000.

He made friends with several well known actors, especially in his last years working with Star Trek, as a special and visual effects labor artist on several episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. A planet, Alpha Balder IV only mentioned in writing was named after Richard. 

He is survived by his siblings: Carol (Ronald) Tokarczyk of Hoyt Lakes and Bruce (Vicci Dimmers) Balder of Surprise, AZ.; Niece and Nephews: Paul Ericson and Faith (Richard Gosiak) Ericson, Ryan (Melissa Beachey) Stutsman and Evan Stutsman.  Uncles: Eugene (Lorraine) Balder and Jerome Brown; Aunt, Juanita Ruschmeyer; Great-Nieces and Nephews: Kimberly Ericson and Thomas Ericson and Marlowe Sylvester Gosiak, Gigi, Viviana, Haylee, Sanne, Nixon, and Ryatt; and several cousins.

Special recognition to the loving neighbors and friends of Richard for many years in Palmdale - Ismael Preciado and Francisca Guevara, and their children: Maria, Ismael Jr., Nasaria (Ella Ray and Xena Victoria), and grandchildren Laura, Elizabet, Mayra, July, Francisco and Abigail.

A family graveside memorial service is planned for this Spring in Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby, MN.