Obituary of Richard Balt

Memorial Tribute Richard Charles Balt was born on September 4, 1927 on a small farm southeast of Sheldon, IA to Conrad and Nellie (Van Meeteren) Balt. He grew up in an era deep in economic depression, but all his daily needs were met and most people he knew lived as he did, so he didn’t realize how poor they were. Rich attended a single room country school through the 8th grade. He always enjoyed reading and learning as much as he could. After completing two years of high school, his education was suspended in order for him to help his father on the farm. At this time, his two older brothers were working in the war effort during WWII. Rich served his country from 1948 to 1952 with the National Guard. He was assigned to training camps in Kansas and Missouri with many other men his age from Sheldon and Sanborn IA. Rich was united in marriage on August 25, 1950 to Marianne Vander Griend in Sheldon IA. To this union was born four girls and one boy. They lived most of their married life on a farm near Sanborn. In July, 1995, after nearly 45 years of marriage, Marianne passed away at the age of 66. Richard remained on the farm until 1998 when he married Lavonne Van Beek and moved into the town of Sanborn. Lavonne passed away in December, 2013 after being married for 15 years. Richard’s health declined over the past three years, and on August 20, 2016, surrounded by family, he was ushered into heavenly glory, free of confusion and pain. Richard has been a member of Cornerstone URC at Sanborn since it was organized in 1995. He served many terms as elder and enjoyed working with the Crossroads ministries. He loved woodworking, reading, writing letters to family and friends. Preceding him in death were his father, Conrad, in 1970; his mother, Nellie, in 1971; his oldest brother, Henry, in 1963; his brother, Edwin, in 2003; his first wife, Marianne (Vander Griend) Balt, in 1995; his second wife, Lavonne (Van Beek) Balt, in 2013; many brothers and sisters-in-law passed on to glory before Rich. He is survived by one brother, Willis and Henrietta Balt; his five children: Dianne and Tom Schemper of Sheldon, IA, Nancy Klemme of Ames, IA, Laura and Jerry Van Beek of Hartley, IA, Sally and Mike McMahon of Sioux City, IA, and Robert and Maria Lynn Balt of Escondido, CA; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. He will also be remembered by his three step-children: Lance and Arlene Van Beek, Mark and Cindy Van Beek all of Sanborn, IA, and Joy and Darwin Poppema of Orange City, IA and their families. Celebration of Life Richard C. Balt Born ~ September 4, 1927 Died ~ August 20, 2016 Age ~ 88 years 11 months 16 days Funeral Service Tuesday, August 23, 2016 ~ 11:00 a.m. Cornerstone United Reformed Church Sanborn, Iowa Clergy ~ Rev. Dan Donovan Organist ~ Kris Van Beek Pianist ~ Julie Hofland Musical Tribute Corey Rozenboom Tyler Schemper Todd Schemper "I'd Rather Have Jesus" Congregational Singing Processional ~ "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" "Nearer Still Nearer" "By The Sea Of Crystal" Recessional ~ "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" Pallbearers Todd Schemper Tyler Schemper Troy Schemper Paul Klemme Clint Van Beek Brian McMahon Kevin McMahon Honorary Pallbearers Serena Koning Holly Rozenboom Tracy Aust Marianne Balt Jacqueline Balt Mikayla Balt Jenna Balt Ushers Junior Postma Eldon Krikke Curt Hartog Bob Anema Interment Roseland Cemetery Sanborn, Iowa