Rodney Charles Baalman

Rodney Charles Baalman passed away Sunday, March 22, 2015 in Sheridan County, Kansas at the age of 60. He was born March 14, 1955 in Louisville, Kentucky to Charles B. and Luella (Stoecker) Baalman. He was a baptized member of the St. Martin of Tours Parish in Seguin, Kansas. Rodney grew up on the family farm near Menlo, Kansas. He attended Hoxie High School where he participated in FFA, wrestling, and football. He graduated with the Class of 1973. In 1974 he married Barb Hansen and they had two daughters, Mindy and Lori. On January 25, 1979, in Smith Center, Kansas, Rodney happily married Krystine Ann Jantz of Hoxie, Kansas. He and Krys established their home in Gaylord, Kansas. A short time later they moved to Menlo and together enjoyed their new and growing family. Rodney’s work was his passion. He was creative in the shop developing innovative equipment solutions for everyday farming practices. He served on the Parish Council, was the Exalted Ruler at the Hoxie Elks Lodge, and active in Farm Bureau serving as Sheridan County President. He also enjoyed many years serving as Chairman of the annual Hoxie Elks Hoop Shoot competitions. During the previous week Rodney enjoyed a special time celebrating his 60th birthday with all his children and grandchildren. They took family pictures, had a nice family dinner together and went bowling. He enjoyed watching everyone bowl and the grandkids had fun helping grandpa blow out his birthday candles. Of course, everyone delighted in Rhonda’s special German Chocolate Cake. Survivors include his wife Krystine of the home in Menlo; son Charles Baalman and wife Jade of Studley; daughters Mindy Bieker and husband James of Hill City, Lori Beaman and husband Jeff of Moscow, ID, and Courtney Baalman of Kansas City, MO; mother Luella Baalman of Gardner; brothers Mark Baalman and wife Lynne of North Port, FL, Kelly Baalman and wife Anne of Littleton, CO, and Andy Baalman and wife Lisa of Salina; twin sister Rhonda Kasper and husband Kevin of Gardner, and sister Karen Keller and husband Scott of Grover, MO; Grandchildren Grace and Gretchen Bieker, Josephine Hayes, Iden, Tehlyn, Kierdyn, and Rylen Baalman, and Elise Gassmann; and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, & Nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Charles B. Baalman, mother-in-law Anne Jantz, father-in-law Wayne Jantz, and brother-in-law, Mark Schippers. The family would like to thank all of their extended family and friends for sharing in the celebration of Rodney’s life and for supporting them with prayers and kind deeds. For family is our circle of strength and love, with every birth and union making the circle grow, every shared joy adding more love, and every crisis faced together making the circle stronger. Reception: St. Martin Catholic Church