Robert W Baalman, 93, passed away on November 21, 2020 at Calhoun Nursing and Rehab. Born October 6, 1927 to Anthony and Frieda (Tepen) Baalman in Meppen, Illinois. He married Sandra (Durack) Baalman on May 27, 1961.
Robert graduated from Brussels Community High School in May of 1945. He joined the U. S. Army 1945-1947 and was in the U. S. Air Force Reserves 1957- 1963. Robert attended Western IL University and the University of Illinois. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of Illinois in 1955. Robert was employed as a teacher at Bethalto High School in Bethalto Illinois; where he taught agriculture from 1955-1956 until the ag department closed. He then moved to Geneseo Illinois where he was employed as an Assistance County Supervisor for the Farmer’s Home Association 1956-1963. From 1963 until his retirement in 1987 he was employed by the Western Farm Business Association through the University of Illinois. In his retirement Robert enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and spending time with his family. Robert was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother who spent his life devoted to others.
Surviving are his daughter Jill (Jeffery) Fitzgerald of Brimfield IL; son Jay Baalman of Golden Eagle IL. Grandchildren Annelise Fitzgerald of Brimfield IL and Dustin Fitzgerald of Branson IL. His brothers: Bernard (Joan) Baalman of Jerseyville, IL, Anthony (Cathy) Baalman of OFallon MO; Steven (Diane) Baalman of Batchown IL and Vince (Patricia) Baalman of Meppen IL; sisters Mary Walker of Cottage Hills, IL and Catherine King of Lake St. Louis MO. Along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, his parents Anthony and Frieda Baalman, his brothers: Bro. William Baalman, C.P. and James Baalman, brother in laws Douglas King and Ernest Walker, granddaughter Callie Fitzgerald, nephew Paul Baalman and great niece Chloe Baalman.
There will be private visitation for immediate family only.
Funeral mass will take place at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church in Hardin on Friday, November 27, 2020 at 10:00 am. The mass is open to the public until the 25% capacity (63 people) of the church has been met.
Private burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Geneseo, IL.
Memorials may be made to the Calhoun Nursing and Rehab Activity fund.
Gress, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home of Hardin, IL is handling the arrangements.
