He worked at Worch Lumber for 23 years, owner of John’s Hideaway and also worked at Lowes in Florida for 16 years retiring in 1997.
He was a member of the United States Army with the 4th Infantry Division in German during the Korean War, St, Denis Catholic Church, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, VFW and the Knights of Columbus. He was on the Versailles Village Council from 1968-1971 and also completed the term for the late Earl Keyser in 1973-1974. John, along with Tom Magoto and Gale Blakeley, started the Versailles Little League in the 1960’s. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his first wife, Theresa (Berning) Baltes; second wife, Peg (Pequignot) Baltes; son, Patrick John Baltes, sisters; Ruth, Mary Catherine and Joan and brothers; Orville, Curtis and Joe.
He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Anthony “Tony” & Tania (Coetzee) Baltes of Stafford, Virginia, daughter, Joan Baltes of Florence, Alabama, grandson, Johan Baltes, granddaughters; Shonte’ Baltes and Janay Baltes, sister, Juanita Gerling of Versailles, Ohio as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 10:30 AM at St. Denis Catholic Church, Versailles, Ohio with Rev. Fr. David Vincent celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles, Ohio. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 from 4-7 PM at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles, Ohio.
There will be a graveside military service conducted by the Versailles Honor Guard. Memorial contributions can be given to the Versailles Health Care Center or to the Public Library. Condolences for the family may be sent to http://www.zecharbailey.com/.