C. Douglas Balvin, age 82, of Huron, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024 at the SD Human Services Center in Yankton, SD. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, November 25, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church in Huron. Visitation, with his family present, will be from 3-5 p.m., on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Welter Funeral Home; or one hour prior to the service on Monday morning.

View Doug's Memorial Folder

Charles Douglas Balvin was born on September 28, 1942, in Huron, South Dakota and was one of three children of Charles and Ruth (Hutchinson) Balvin.  He grew up on his parents' farm about three miles from Wolsey and attended Wolsey Schools.   After graduating from Wolsey High School in 1960, Doug attended the University of South Dakota.  He enrolled in the Business school and graduated with an accounting degree.  During college, Doug worked as a plumber and over summer breaks for Lawson Plumbing in Huron.  After college, Doug and Marlas moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and he worked for a Big 8 accounting firm, Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co.  After returning to South Dakota, Doug worked at the accounting firm Johnson West & Co before moving to Pierre.  In Pierre, Doug worked at Wohlenberg & Gage before moving back to Huron and becoming a partner with the firm.  The firm eventually became Balvin Harrington & Co. in 1982.  In 1988 Doug completely changed his career to banking and worked for the Christen Group where he served as a Director and Officer for the company and its subsidiaries.  He worked with the Christen Group for the remainder of his career from 1988 to 2022.

To say that Doug loved the community of Huron would be an understatement.  He served in several roles in the community such as, Director for the following:  James Valley Housing, Huron Regional Medical Center, Huron University Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Broadland Creek Golf Commission.  He was also part of the Huron Greater Development Corporation.  Doug served as the Finance chairman for the National High School Rodeo Association and Little Britches Rodeo.  He served as the President of Sertoma and was a lifetime member of Sertoma as well as a lifetime member of the Elks.  He dedicated his time to the South Dakota Investment Council and the South Dakota Community Foundation.  He was also involved with the new DEX building.  Finally, and probably the most prestigious role was serving as an officer of the Zesto Ice Cream Shop.

On September 10, 1961, Doug married his high school sweetheart, Marlas Menning.  The young couple lived in Vermillion for 3 years while Doug completed college.  They welcomed their first child, Kristi Kay in Vermillion 1963.  In December 1965, the couple moved to Huron and welcomed their son, Dale Douglas in 1966.  The family lived in Pierre shortly before returning to Huron in 1973 where they have made their home ever since.  Doug and Marlas were members of First Presbyterian Church for 57 years and Doug also served as Deacon for several years.  Marlas and Doug are now both in heaven and looking down on us all.

Doug is survived by his daughter, Kristi (Dewey) Perrin of Huron; his son, Dale Balvin of Scottsdale, Arizona; three grandchildren, Trevor Balvin of Scottsdale, Tracee (Will) Denton of Gilbert, Arizona, and Todd Balvin of Tempe, Arizona; three great-grandchildren, Emree, Adeline and James Denton; sister Virginia Gravelle of Sioux Falls; nieces and nephews; and family friends Paul Christen and Dr. Bob Hohm.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlas; parents, Charlie and Ruth, daughter-in-law Jamee Balvin; sister, Nancy Balvin; and brother-in-law, Roger Gravelle.