Roy Lee Balbort

Roy Lee Balbort, 80, of Burlington died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Born Jan. 12, 1944, in Burlington, he was the son of Roy Edward and Goetha Lee Sutherland Balbort; a third generation of Burlington. On June 12, 1971, after 11 years of dating and three engagements, he finally married Michele Lu Callahan in Burlington.

He graduated with honors from Wentworth Military Academy in 1965. He later graduated from Western Illinois University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science. Roy continued his education at Iowa Wesleyan University where he received degrees in business, accounting, and education.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving from Dec. 5, 1967, until Sept. 5, 1969, as a stateside combat medic.

Roy established Balbort Beverage Company, Inc in 1980 and ran it until he sold the business in 1993. Following his career in business, he worked as a teacher for Burlington Community School District with "at-risk" students and as an assistant coach for the Burlington High School varsity wrestling team.

After retiring from the school district, he worked as a residential officer at the Eighth Judicial District Residential Correctional Facility for 18 years.

He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul's Catholic Church and a past member of the Knights of Columbus. Roy found peace in nature and was proud to support and be involved with the World Wildlife Fund, National Wildlife Fund, Sierra Club, and Jane Goodall Institute.

He was a supporter of the St. Joseph Indian School for the Lakota Sioux in South Dakota. He was an active volunteer for the Leopold Landscape Alliance. He volunteered as a reserve police officer with the Burlington Police Department. He was a past member of Kiwanis Club, Elks Club, New Crystal Lake Club, and Burlington Golf Club.

He was an avid fan of the University of Notre Dame and the Fighting Irish football team. He was a supporter of Burlington High School Greyhounds and Burlington Notre Dame Nikes. He loved attending high school sporting events and helped as a "stick man" during BHS football games.

He volunteered as the statistician for the Burlington Notre Dame girls' basketball team. He loved fitness and working out and regularly went to the gym to lift weights, but ended up talking more than working out.

He was a collector of many things, a lover of Motown music, and a connoisseur of dark chocolate. He loved cars, especially Corvettes. Roy loved all living creatures, especially his beloved dogs.

He was a very involved grandfather and found great joy in spending time with and attending his grandaughter's activities. He had the honorary title of "grandfather" to many more. He mastered the art of conversation and connected to people from all walks of life.

Survivors include his wife, Michele Lu Balbort; daughter, Dr. Liberty Ann Balbort; and granddaughter, Charlotte Michele Blankenship all of Burlington; stepgrandchildren, Gibson Blankenship and Bella Blankenship; bonus son, Davit Erkvania of Germantown, Tennessee; half-brother, Rev. Edward Beardsly of San Diego, Califorina; cousins, Tracy Balbort and Tim (Barb) Balbort, both of Burlington; grand-dog, Chewy; and many close friends he considered chosen family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; aunts and uncles; and his precious pets, Bort, Shawn, Daphne, Baron, Baylee, Baci, Rocco, Tasca, and Beau.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 31, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street from noon until 7 p.m. Military honors will be rendered at 4 p.m. Following honors, the family will receive friends until 7 p.m.

The memorial service for Mr. Balbort will be 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at Prugh Funeral Service with Jackie Swink officiating. A celebration of life with food and fellowship will be held at the Burlington Golf Club following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials have been established for the Roy L. Balbort Memorial Fund and Leopold Landscape Alliance.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Roy's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.