Tate Michael Baloun, 31 SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Tate Michael Baloun, age 31, of Sioux Falls, died Friday, July 23, 2010. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., today, July 29th at the First Assembly of God Church in Sioux Falls, with burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family greeted friends from 6 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Tate Michael Baloun was a man of God who made his dreams happen. Tate lived for 31 full and exciting years loving the Lord and loving the life God had given him. He was a man often misunderstood because he was always ten steps ahead of everyone, but would never let anyone feel left behind. Project after project, Tate was always on the go. His life started in Pierre, S.D., on Oct. 27, 1978, born to Brad and CamMay Baloun. Tate was the oldest of four children, Sister Faye Van Dusen, 30, (Scott), Brother Aron Baloun, 28, (April), and Sister Renae Wolfgang, 25, (Brian). Tate spent most his youth growing up in Reno, Nev., until he moved with his family to Sioux Falls, S.D., at the age of 14. There he attended Patrick Henry Middle School and Washington High School. Tate was never bound by limits, setting and focusing on his goals no matter how big, and would always achieve them, no matter how hard. Tate always had an interest in aviation, so his dad bought him his first introductory flight at the age of 15. Tate had become a private pilot by the age of 16 and continued living his dream by flying all through high school. Tate advanced his flying career at Falcon Aviation in Yankton, S.D., as a charter pilot, while still attending the University of South Dakota and graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. After college, Tate moved to Denver, Colo., where he was a full-time commercial pilot until he joined his Brothers in Arms to serve his country. He shipped off to Officer Training School, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. His first duty station was Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. It was there that he met his beautiful wife, Lisa. It didn't take him long to realize what he had found. He called Lisa his "Treasure." Even though he had fallen in love with her, he had no hesitation to answer the call of duty. Tate left for Iraq, where he served his country with honor and valor. Upon his return from Iraq and completion of service, Tate was joined in marriage to Lisa on Oct. 13, 2007. Together, Tate and Lisa built their life in Sioux Falls, S.D. Even though Tate was a full time employee at ADP as an IT specialist, he continued to pursue his dream by obtaining a Master's Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Tate was also a flight instructor in Tea, S.D., where he shared his wealth of knowledge with his students and all who knew him. Tate always said he was most comfortable in the pilot's seat and took every opportunity to fly high. He would often take his family and friends up for flights and commented – "How can you not feel close to God, just look at the beautiful view!" Tate Michael Baloun was a husband, a brother, an uncle, a son, a teacher, a friend, but most importantly - Tate was a Christian. Tate left this Earth to be with his Father in Heaven. Tate, we love you more than words could ever express. Our comfort comes from knowing we will see you again in Heaven.