Robert Balow

Robert "Bob" Balow, long-time resident of Racine, WI, founder of four companies, Lt. Governor for the southeastern district of the Optimist Club, and holder of numerous patents, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday February 24th. He was 69 years old.

Born in Eau Claire, WI on June 29th 1946, he received his B.S. in metallurgical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He then moved to Racine, WI and founded Accu-Temp Heat Treating, Inc. in 1975 where he worked with many companies such as Harley Davidson, CNH, Pioneer Products, and John Deere. Through his metallurgical knowledge and expertise, Bob was able to travel worldwide and consult for many large corporations such as Johnson's Wax, General Motors, Miller-Coors and Lodge Manufacturing.

Bob enjoyed reading, fishing, pottery, astronomy, gardening, "tinkering" and inventing. One of his personal inventions, the pasta fork, was aired on The Ellen Show. He founded the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club of Racine and Kenosha, which provides resources and support for inventors to patent, produce and market their ideas. Bob was extremely passionate about helping others and actively participated in community-based programs, volunteering much of his time to organizations all over southeast Wisconsin, including the Wednesday Optimist Club, Hope and Charity Missions and the Salvation Army. Bob received numerous awards for his dedication to the community, including an award from the Racine police department for his assistance in developing lifesaving tools.

Bob is survived by his brother Steve Balow and sister Janet Jaszewski, Nancy Balow and their children: Jennifer Balow, Anne Balow Peters, and David Balow, Kathy Balow and their children: Bobby and Peter Balow, five grandchildren and significant other Lisa Fawver. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zella and Norman Balow, and his brother Jim Balow. A visitation will be held Friday, March 4th from 4 - 6 PM with a memorial service from 6:00 - 6:30 PM at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd, Racine, WI 53403. A celebration of his life will follow the memorial service. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Racine Wednesday Optimist Club or the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club of Racine and Kenosha. Donations can be made online at: http://www.youcaring.com/balow or at the funeral home.

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