John E. Baltz

Age 67. Suddenly, Thursday, October 9, 2008 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center following a stroke. Born in Joliet and a lifelong resident, making Costa Rica his second home in recent years. A 5th generation farmer, he farmed in the Shorewood area all of his life. He continued to help his son on the farm up until a week before his death. A life member of the Will County Farm Bureau. John and his father, Donald, hosted the 1960 Farm Progress Show on the family farm. John was honored to have the Emperor of Japan visit his farm in 1975. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his friends at Babas Restaurant.

Preceded in death by his parents, Donald E. and Bernice L. (nee Emiley) Baltz.

Survived by four sons, Edward (Jan) of Shorewood, James of Champaign, Robert (LuAnn Gonsouling) of Shorewood, and Timothy Baltz of Crossville, TN; two daughters, Christine (Jimmy Zitnik) Baltz of Joliet, and Jennifer (Doug) Pryor of Morris; seven grandchildren, Michael A. Baltz; Shane Cesar; Alicia, Emma and Nikkola Bales; Evelyn and Benjamin Pryor; one great-grandchild, Gianna Jacobs; two brothers, Gerald Baltz of Wisconsin, and Joseph D. (Nancy) Baltz of Shorewood; one sister, Judy (N. Gene) Briscoe of Minooka; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Funeral Services for John E. Baltz will be Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the John E. Baltz Agricultural Scholarship Fund at PeopleFirst Bank would be appreciated. Visitation Monday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at:

FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME
3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet
For information: (815) 741-5500

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