Francis Peter Baltes (Frank), age 94, passed away September 24, 2019 at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek Retirement Facility. He was born in New Market, Minnesota on March 10, 1925 to John and Margaret (Breuer) Baltes. He was the seventh of eight children. Frank told many stories of his wonderful adventures of growing up in the small town of New Market. As soon as he turned 18, he joined the Navy to fight in World War II. He fought in the South Pacific on the island of Peleliu. After the war, he thought about going into the family business of owning grocery stores in Minnesota, but instead decided to stay in the Navy to see more of the world. He was a sailor aboard several aircraft carriers where he worked as an aircraft mechanic based out of Virginia Beach, Pensacola, and Jacksonville, FL. However, his love was being part of the Seabees division in WWII. He was part of the 33rd Construction Battalion where he became a skilled builder. This skill enabled him to build several additions to their home, making more room for his household of nine. Frank was very resourceful and a good provider for his family. While on land, he would work two to three jobs just to make ends meet and to provide for his large family. While at sea, he would stay aboard the aircraft carrier when they reached port, but would then loan money to his fellow sailors who went on land. This allowed him to send most of his paycheck home to his wife and kids. After retiring from his distinguish career in the Navy in 1964, with the highest enlisted rank at the time, Frank worked as a postman for the U.S. Postal Service. He walked his route around the Riverside area, instead of driving his truck, and became good friends with many on his route. After retiring from the post office, he worked as a Sam’s Club greeter and even met Sam Walton. This was another perfect job for Frank because he was able to use his skills of making people feel welcome. Frank continued his service to others in many ways throughout his life. When his wife was sick, he volunteered at River Garden’s nursing home, helping to feed the patients. He became part of the River Garden family and was so loved by all there that he continued to volunteer up until his accident this past March.
Frank met his loving wife, Constance Penecale (Connie), on a blind date in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they married in 1950. Connie would tell us how she prayed to Saint Anthony to find her a good husband; and if he did, she would name their first born son after him. Their third child, Kevin Anthony, was born in 1956. Their love for each other prevailed through the difficult military life of six to nine months a year at sea. Frank and Connie had seven children: Merrilee Hysler (David) of Mars Hill, NC; Cynthia Davis (Robert) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Kevin Baltes (Diane) of Jacksonville, FL; Dawn Kenfield (Glen) of Jacksonville, FL; Robin Prior (Donald) of Saint Johns, FL; Scott Baltes (Sue) of Fleming Island, FL; and Constance Schartung (Joe) of Decatur, AL. They have many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Frank was a very humble man who cared deeply for all his family. Frank said his wife had to ask him to marry her. He just could not understand why such a smart and beautiful woman would want to marry him. He had often thought of becoming a priest and had even gone to church to pray about this vocation. However, he felt God was leading him to marry Connie.
God was a big part of Frank and Connie’s life. They were active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 30 years. Frank was in the Men’s Club, the Holy Name Society, and the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight. After he and Connie moved across town in 1990, they became active members of San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church. There, Frank received the highest honor of the order of Malta through the Knights of Columbus. Frank also helped with the fish fries and any other activities at the church. He would open the church every morning and make sure there was coffee waiting for those who were there early for Mass. Frank continued to lead the Rosary and the 15 prayers every day at San Juan del Rio until he broke his neck in March of this year. He was known for his punctuality as the prayers were started at exactly 8:12 am. Frank loved people and his home was always open to company. He was always smiling and laughing and making people feel comfortable. He considered everyone a friend and would offer one of his favorite beers to enjoy. He would only drink the least expensive beer but he would share one with anybody.
Frank loved the outdoors and Connie would lovingly joke about how appropriately he was named after Saint Francis. Many animals were saved through his big heart, as he loved to make sure all the animals in and around his house were fed.
Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Connie; his granddaughters, Tiffany Baltes and Mary Schartung; his daughter-in-law, Diane Baltes; and his sons-in-law Glen Kenfield and Joe Schartung. He is survived by his brother, Gene Baltes (age 104), Chicago, IL; and his sister, Muriel Anderson (age 95), St. Paul, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family believes Frank would rather any contributions go toward Camp I Am Special; a camp to help those with disabilities. This camp was yet another place Frank enjoyed volunteering. https://www.ccbjax.org/donate
Frank will be most remembered by his welcoming smile and his infectious laugh. A laugh so wonderful that it warmed the heart of all who heard it. Connie would say, “I know where Frank is because I can hear him laughing.”
Here’s to you, Dad, as you enjoy a beer and fill the heavens with your beautiful laughter!!!
Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation service at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00pm, with a Rosary service beginning at 6:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 11:00 am at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, with a Reception to follow. All are invited to the reception. We will reconvene for the burial at Jacksonville Memory Gardens at 2:30pm.
Frank met his loving wife, Constance Penecale (Connie), on a blind date in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they married in 1950. Connie would tell us how she prayed to Saint Anthony to find her a good husband; and if he did, she would name their first born son after him. Their third child, Kevin Anthony, was born in 1956. Their love for each other prevailed through the difficult military life of six to nine months a year at sea. Frank and Connie had seven children: Merrilee Hysler (David) of Mars Hill, NC; Cynthia Davis (Robert) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Kevin Baltes (Diane) of Jacksonville, FL; Dawn Kenfield (Glen) of Jacksonville, FL; Robin Prior (Donald) of Saint Johns, FL; Scott Baltes (Sue) of Fleming Island, FL; and Constance Schartung (Joe) of Decatur, AL. They have many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Frank was a very humble man who cared deeply for all his family. Frank said his wife had to ask him to marry her. He just could not understand why such a smart and beautiful woman would want to marry him. He had often thought of becoming a priest and had even gone to church to pray about this vocation. However, he felt God was leading him to marry Connie.
God was a big part of Frank and Connie’s life. They were active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 30 years. Frank was in the Men’s Club, the Holy Name Society, and the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight. After he and Connie moved across town in 1990, they became active members of San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church. There, Frank received the highest honor of the order of Malta through the Knights of Columbus. Frank also helped with the fish fries and any other activities at the church. He would open the church every morning and make sure there was coffee waiting for those who were there early for Mass. Frank continued to lead the Rosary and the 15 prayers every day at San Juan del Rio until he broke his neck in March of this year. He was known for his punctuality as the prayers were started at exactly 8:12 am. Frank loved people and his home was always open to company. He was always smiling and laughing and making people feel comfortable. He considered everyone a friend and would offer one of his favorite beers to enjoy. He would only drink the least expensive beer but he would share one with anybody.
Frank loved the outdoors and Connie would lovingly joke about how appropriately he was named after Saint Francis. Many animals were saved through his big heart, as he loved to make sure all the animals in and around his house were fed.
Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Connie; his granddaughters, Tiffany Baltes and Mary Schartung; his daughter-in-law, Diane Baltes; and his sons-in-law Glen Kenfield and Joe Schartung. He is survived by his brother, Gene Baltes (age 104), Chicago, IL; and his sister, Muriel Anderson (age 95), St. Paul, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family believes Frank would rather any contributions go toward Camp I Am Special; a camp to help those with disabilities. This camp was yet another place Frank enjoyed volunteering. https://www.ccbjax.org/donate
Frank will be most remembered by his welcoming smile and his infectious laugh. A laugh so wonderful that it warmed the heart of all who heard it. Connie would say, “I know where Frank is because I can hear him laughing.”
Here’s to you, Dad, as you enjoy a beer and fill the heavens with your beautiful laughter!!!
Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation service at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00pm, with a Rosary service beginning at 6:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 11:00 am at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, with a Reception to follow. All are invited to the reception. We will reconvene for the burial at Jacksonville Memory Gardens at 2:30pm.
Francis Peter Baltes (Frank), age 94, passed away September 24, 2019 at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek Retirement Facility. He was born in New Market, Minnesota on March 10, 1925 to John and Margaret (Breuer) Baltes. He was the seventh of eight children. Frank told many stories of his wonderful adventures of growing up in the small town of New Market. As soon as he turned 18, he joined the Navy to fight in World War II. He fought in the South Pacific on the island of Peleliu. After the war, he thought about going into the family business of owning grocery stores in Minnesota, but instead decided to stay in the Navy to see more of the world. He was a sailor aboard several aircraft carriers where he worked as an aircraft mechanic based out of Virginia Beach, Pensacola, and Jacksonville, FL. However, his love was being part of the Seabees division in WWII. He was part of the 33rd Construction Battalion where he became a skilled builder. This skill enabled him to build several additions to their home, making more room for his household of nine. Frank was very resourceful and a good provider for his family. While on land, he would work two to three jobs just to make ends meet and to provide for his large family. While at sea, he would stay aboard the aircraft carrier when they reached port, but would then loan money to his fellow sailors who went on land. This allowed him to send most of his paycheck home to his wife and kids. After retiring from his distinguish career in the Navy in 1964, with the highest enlisted rank at the time, Frank worked as a postman for the U.S. Postal Service. He walked his route around the Riverside area, instead of driving his truck, and became good friends with many on his route. After retiring from the post office, he worked as a Sam’s Club greeter and even met Sam Walton. This was another perfect job for Frank because he was able to use his skills of making people feel welcome. Frank continued his service to others in many ways throughout his life. When his wife was sick, he volunteered at River Garden’s nursing home, helping to feed the patients. He became part of the River Garden family and was so loved by all there that he continued to volunteer up until his accident this past March.
Frank met his loving wife, Constance Penecale (Connie), on a blind date in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they married in 1950. Connie would tell us how she prayed to Saint Anthony to find her a good husband; and if he did, she would name their first born son after him. Their third child, Kevin Anthony, was born in 1956. Their love for each other prevailed through the difficult military life of six to nine months a year at sea. Frank and Connie had seven children: Merrilee Hysler (David) of Mars Hill, NC; Cynthia Davis (Robert) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Kevin Baltes (Diane) of Jacksonville, FL; Dawn Kenfield (Glen) of Jacksonville, FL; Robin Prior (Donald) of Saint Johns, FL; Scott Baltes (Sue) of Fleming Island, FL; and Constance Schartung (Joe) of Decatur, AL. They have many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Frank was a very humble man who cared deeply for all his family. Frank said his wife had to ask him to marry her. He just could not understand why such a smart and beautiful woman would want to marry him. He had often thought of becoming a priest and had even gone to church to pray about this vocation. However, he felt God was leading him to marry Connie.
God was a big part of Frank and Connie’s life. They were active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 30 years. Frank was in the Men’s Club, the Holy Name Society, and the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight. After he and Connie moved across town in 1990, they became active members of San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church. There, Frank received the highest honor of the order of Malta through the Knights of Columbus. Frank also helped with the fish fries and any other activities at the church. He would open the church every morning and make sure there was coffee waiting for those who were there early for Mass. Frank continued to lead the Rosary and the 15 prayers every day at San Juan del Rio until he broke his neck in March of this year. He was known for his punctuality as the prayers were started at exactly 8:12 am. Frank loved people and his home was always open to company. He was always smiling and laughing and making people feel comfortable. He considered everyone a friend and would offer one of his favorite beers to enjoy. He would only drink the least expensive beer but he would share one with anybody.
Frank loved the outdoors and Connie would lovingly joke about how appropriately he was named after Saint Francis. Many animals were saved through his big heart, as he loved to make sure all the animals in and around his house were fed.
Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Connie; his granddaughters, Tiffany Baltes and Mary Schartung; his daughter-in-law, Diane Baltes; and his sons-in-law Glen Kenfield and Joe Schartung. He is survived by his brother, Gene Baltes (age 104), Chicago, IL; and his sister, Muriel Anderson (age 95), St. Paul, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family believes Frank would rather any contributions go toward Camp I Am Special; a camp to help those with disabilities. This camp was yet another place Frank enjoyed volunteering. https://www.ccbjax.org/donate
Frank will be most remembered by his welcoming smile and his infectious laugh. A laugh so wonderful that it warmed the heart of all who heard it. Connie would say, “I know where Frank is because I can hear him laughing.”
Here’s to you, Dad, as you enjoy a beer and fill the heavens with your beautiful laughter!!!
Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation service at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00pm, with a Rosary service beginning at 6:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 11:00 am at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, with a Reception to follow. All are invited to the reception. We will reconvene for the burial at Jacksonville Memory Gardens at 2:30pm.
Frank met his loving wife, Constance Penecale (Connie), on a blind date in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they married in 1950. Connie would tell us how she prayed to Saint Anthony to find her a good husband; and if he did, she would name their first born son after him. Their third child, Kevin Anthony, was born in 1956. Their love for each other prevailed through the difficult military life of six to nine months a year at sea. Frank and Connie had seven children: Merrilee Hysler (David) of Mars Hill, NC; Cynthia Davis (Robert) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Kevin Baltes (Diane) of Jacksonville, FL; Dawn Kenfield (Glen) of Jacksonville, FL; Robin Prior (Donald) of Saint Johns, FL; Scott Baltes (Sue) of Fleming Island, FL; and Constance Schartung (Joe) of Decatur, AL. They have many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Frank was a very humble man who cared deeply for all his family. Frank said his wife had to ask him to marry her. He just could not understand why such a smart and beautiful woman would want to marry him. He had often thought of becoming a priest and had even gone to church to pray about this vocation. However, he felt God was leading him to marry Connie.
God was a big part of Frank and Connie’s life. They were active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 30 years. Frank was in the Men’s Club, the Holy Name Society, and the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight. After he and Connie moved across town in 1990, they became active members of San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church. There, Frank received the highest honor of the order of Malta through the Knights of Columbus. Frank also helped with the fish fries and any other activities at the church. He would open the church every morning and make sure there was coffee waiting for those who were there early for Mass. Frank continued to lead the Rosary and the 15 prayers every day at San Juan del Rio until he broke his neck in March of this year. He was known for his punctuality as the prayers were started at exactly 8:12 am. Frank loved people and his home was always open to company. He was always smiling and laughing and making people feel comfortable. He considered everyone a friend and would offer one of his favorite beers to enjoy. He would only drink the least expensive beer but he would share one with anybody.
Frank loved the outdoors and Connie would lovingly joke about how appropriately he was named after Saint Francis. Many animals were saved through his big heart, as he loved to make sure all the animals in and around his house were fed.
Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Connie; his granddaughters, Tiffany Baltes and Mary Schartung; his daughter-in-law, Diane Baltes; and his sons-in-law Glen Kenfield and Joe Schartung. He is survived by his brother, Gene Baltes (age 104), Chicago, IL; and his sister, Muriel Anderson (age 95), St. Paul, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family believes Frank would rather any contributions go toward Camp I Am Special; a camp to help those with disabilities. This camp was yet another place Frank enjoyed volunteering. https://www.ccbjax.org/donate
Frank will be most remembered by his welcoming smile and his infectious laugh. A laugh so wonderful that it warmed the heart of all who heard it. Connie would say, “I know where Frank is because I can hear him laughing.”
Here’s to you, Dad, as you enjoy a beer and fill the heavens with your beautiful laughter!!!
Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation service at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00pm, with a Rosary service beginning at 6:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 11:00 am at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, with a Reception to follow. All are invited to the reception. We will reconvene for the burial at Jacksonville Memory Gardens at 2:30pm.
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