Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Kurt Bales Obituary
Ridott- Kurt A Bales DVM, 58, surrounded by his loving family, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 13, after a hard-fought battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. He was Born July 4, 1962 in Anderson, Indiana to Keith and Judith (Horner) Bales. He graduated from Union High School, Modoc, Indiana in 1980 and went on to study Veterinary medicine at Purdue University graduating in 1987. He married Vicki Blount January 4, 1986. Together they raised 4 beautiful children. He was a member of Park Hills Church of Freeport, IL where he was on the worship team and led the men's small group. Upon graduation from Purdue, he worked at New Hope Veterinary Clinic, German Valley, IL for one year. He then moved to Topeka, Indiana to work at King Animal Care Clinic for 4 years. In 1992, he made IL his home and went on to work at New Hope Vet Clinic for his remaining 27 years.
He loved first his Savior Jesus Christ, his wife, and his children. He most cherished spending time with his children and helping with whatever project they were working on. He enjoyed traveling with Vicki, music, reading and working in his vegetable garden. He was a kindhearted, generous man who will be greatly missed by many. He is survived by his wife, his parents Keith and Judith Bales, Lynn, IN; his sons, Kalen (Amanda) Bales of Monroe, NC, Benjamin (April Sorg) Bales of Freeport, IL and Daniel (Jessica) Bales of Spencer, NC; his beloved daughter Bethany (Paul) Roloff, Janesville, WI, and a soon to be born granddaughter. He also leaves behind his brothers Randy (Sharon) Bales, Lewisville, IN, Brian (Ceann) Bales of Lynn, IN and one sister, Karen (Michael) Byrge of Anderson, IN as well as many nieces and nephews.
All services will be held at Park Hills Church, 2525 W Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL. Visitation will be Sunday, January 17th from 2-4pm and Monday, January 18th from 9:30 until the beginning of the funeral at 10:30. Services are open to the public. In light of Covid-19, masks will be required, and social distancing observed. Pastor Larry Elliott will be officiating. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.walkermortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Kurt's name at Park Hills Church to be used in support of missionaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kurt Bales
Sponsored by Walker Mortuary, Ltd. - Freeport.
James and Gina Robison
July 25, 2022
We did not have the privilege to meet Doctor Kurt. We have been using New Hope and feel very blessed to have all of the caring Doctors take care of our two cats. It is wonderful to know that Kurt knew Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, my Wife and I also have a relationship with our Lord. It is not about a Denomination of a church it is about that personal relationship with our Lord. May his Wife and family have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
John J. Borucki
February 4, 2021
Rest in peace Kurt.
Thank you for taking care of all our animals. My wife and I enjoyed your knowledge of always taking care of our animals. Rest in peace..
John and Linda Borucki
Laura McKenzie
January 29, 2021
Great respect for Kurt as a vet, husband and father. Sending prayers of peace for Vicki and their kids. ♥
Kim Hutcherson-Janssen
January 20, 2021
Prayers & Condolences to the entire family. Dr. Bales was a great person. I will miss working him.
Diane Ross
January 17, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. I have fond memories working with Kurt at New Hope. He loved animals, loved God & his family- he will be missed
Lloyd Talbot
January 17, 2021
My thought and prayers go out to the bales family.
Denise Woolley
January 16, 2021
Dr. Bales was one of the kindest veterinarians I knew. I called on him for over 15 years and he always had a smile and a hello for me every time I came to visit. He always took the time to sit and chat with me. I will never forget his warm smile and kind heart. I will miss my visits with him. He truly was one of the best. May God Bless him and all the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find peace to know he is with the Lord
Deborah Lutz
January 15, 2021
My brother and I would like to send condolences to Dr. Kurt's family and friends. We enjoyed having him treat our pets at New Hope clinic. He will truly be missed. Sending love, hugs, and prayers for each of you at this most difficult time.
Somer Elgin
January 15, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss, prayers of strength & comfort for the family.
Ruth Yeoman
January 15, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the family. Kurt was a very good vet and a very kind man. May GOD bless you and be with you during this difficult time.
Deborah Konstant
January 15, 2021
I am so very sorry to hear of Dr. Kurt's passing. I only knew him as one of my vets but he always showed such wonderful compassion to my many animals. He was such a kind and caring man. There is a special place in Heaven for him. My deepest condolences to the family.
Sandra Retter
January 14, 2021
Vickie and Family, So sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Kurt Bales's name
Memorial Events
for Kurt Bales
Funeral services provided by:
Walker Mortuary, Ltd. - Freeport321 West Main Street, Freeport, IL 61032
How to support Kurt's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kurt Bales's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
