Jeffrey A. Backes, 54, of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, passed peacefully into the arms of his heavenly Father on Saturday, July 1, 2023, surrounded by family.
Jeff was born Aug. 8, 1968, in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, to the late Everett and Marylin (Eveland) Backes. He was the oldest son of their six boys and welcomed by older sister Sheri. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
Jeff attended school in Dresser and St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, before moving to Osceola. He graduated from Osceola in 1987. It was during a school trip to UW-Stout that he met his future wife, Tracy Ferry.
Jeff and Tracy married in 1990 and welcomed their first son, Brian, in 1991 and second son, Tyler, a few years later. They made Dresser their home until 2013 when they moved to Balsam Lake.
Jeff was employed at Polaris for almost 20 years then joined the Kapco team as a lead in 2011. When not at work, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and spoiling his four-legged fur babies including his goat, Rick. He had a keen eye for four-leaf clovers and placed them in his Bible. He has collected over 200 already!
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Scott Backes; his in-laws, Earl and Zelda Ferry; brothers-in-law, Earl Ferry Jr., Robert Martinson and Alvin Edgemon; sister-in-law, Gwen Edgemon; and nieces, Jennifer Tacheny and Yvonne Edgemon.
He is survived by his wife, Tracy; sons, Brian and Tyler; sister, Sheri (Tony) Anderson; brothers, Kyle (Heather), Dani (Karen), Brant (Jamie) and Bruce; and many aunts, uncles, sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. Jeff was a godfather of eight children.
A Celebration of Life will take place at D.D. Kennedy Mill, 1459 Kennedy Mill Ave., Amery WI 54001, for the public Saturday Aug. 26, at 1 p.m. A private graveside service will be done at a later time.
The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.
