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- [S5] Obituary.
Vernon Frederick Baltus, age 86 of Marshfield, died Friday, December 26, 2014 at his Marshfield home with his loving family by his side and under the tender care of Ministry Home Care Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:00 PM Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Fr. Eric Berns and Fr. James Logan will officiate. Burial will be in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Marshfield. A Celebration of Life with a time of food and fellowship will be held at Hotel Marshfield (2700 S. Central Ave) following the Mass. A time of visitation will be held Monday, December 29, 2014 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (1010 E. Veterans Parkway) in Marshfield, and again from 2:00 PM until the time of the service at the church on Tuesday. Serving as pallbearers will be Adam Zecherle, Daniel Baltus, Amy Bertram, Pat Nugent, Joe Baltus and Ron Fischer, who is representing his son Craig Fischer who died June 24, 2001.
Vernon was born August 25 1928 in Marshfield, the son of Frank and Hazel (Specht) Baltus. He attended St. John's Catholic School and graduated from Marshfield Senior High. He served his country proudly in the US Navy during WW II as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. Vern's assignments included: Shore duty - Bureau of Medicine & Surgery, Washington DC; Sea Duty - Atlantic & Mediterranean aboard the USS Aldebaran.
On November 10, 1951 Vernon was united in holy marriage to Clara Stadler at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2011.
Vernon owned and was president of The Baltus Company for over four decades. During this time, he expanded the company greatly, guiding it through many industry changes. He served on numerous petroleum industry committees and boards, most notably as Chairman of The Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers And Convenience Stores Association, and Chairman of The Midwest Marketer Board of Union Oil Company.
Mr. Baltus was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church., where he served as Parish Council President, Lector; and as a Member of the Holy Name Society. Vern also served as President of Columbus High School Education Foundation, was a member of the American Legion Post 54, the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus Fr. John Eisen Council #1799, as well as Past President of Marshfield Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award and Service Above Self Award.
Vernon dedicated a lot of time and energy to the Marshfield community serving as: Chairman of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph's Hospital, was the first President of the Foundation of St Joseph's Hospital, Vice-President of The Marshfield Medical Research Foundation, as well as Vice-Chairman of the Board of M & I Central Bank & Trust. He also served as a board member of The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce And Industry, and was President of both Greater Marshfield Inc., and The City Of Marshfield Board of Appeals.
Vernon is lovingly survived by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren further survive Vernon. He is also survived by a brother-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Hazel; wife: Clara; daughters: Nancy Baltus and Suzanne Baltus Zecherle; grandson, Craig Fischer; as well as siblings: Victor Baltus, Velma Smith, and Dale Baltus.
Memorials will be established in Vernon's name to: Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, The Marshfield Medical Research Foundation, The St Joseph's Hospital Foundation, and Ministry Home Care Hospice.
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