William J. Baltes Jr.

William J. Baltes, Jr. age 88, of Versailles, Ohio passed away at 2:30 P.M. on Friday, November 27, 2015 at Versailles Health Care Center. William was born April 13, 1927 in Darke County to the late William J. & Clara (Bey) Baltes, Sr.

William is survived by his children, Alice & Joseph DeMange of Russia, Edie & Jeff Bergman of Ft. Loramie, Barbara & Kenneth Mertz of Versailles, Bernice & Larry Helman of Sidney, Gerald & Polly Baltes of Versailles and Marvin & Nichole Baltes of Versailles; grandchildren, Benjamin & Kristen DeMange, Karen & Jerry Mertz, Gregory & Ashley Mertz, Christina & Doug Watson, Jennifer Mertz, Anthony & Niki Helman, Eric Helman, Sarah & Jason Tuente, Joshua Baltes, Joshua Bulcher, Quincy Baltes and Stuart Baltes; great-grandchildren, Kathryn Mertz, Veronica Mertz, Harley Mertz, Audrey DeMange, Bella DeMange, Owen Helman, Myles Helman, Emory Tuente, Drew Tuente, one expected great-grandchild, Glenn Mertz, Tinica Mertz, Markese Mertz, Marsean Mertz and Tiana Mertz; step great-grandchildren, Brooke Watson and Bryce Watson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann & Arthur Bergman of Anna and Patricia & Norman Magoto of Centerville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, William was also preceded in death by his wife, Rita Catherine (Kemper) Baltes on November 10, 2008 whom he married June 25, 1952; grandson, Nicholas DeMange; brothers & sisters-in-law, Paul & Esther Baltes and Peter & Rose Baltes; and sisters & brothers-in-law, Rose Baltes, Margaret Jane & William O’Bryan and Mary & James Trentman.

William was a tool maker at NCR in Dayton until they closed and retired from Marwill in Ft. Loramie. He was also a life-long farmer. William was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Frenchtown where he served as an usher and lector. He was also a member of St. Denis K of C, Council 1756 where he was Past Grand Knight from 1971-1972 and a Trustee for 3 years; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2347 of Versailles where he was Past President, Past Worthy President, Chaplain, Trustee and helped deliver fish to the shut-ins during Lent.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Frenchtown with Rev. Fr. James Simons celebrant. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery in Frenchtown. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles. A Knights of Columbus prayer service will be held at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Hospice.