John H. Baalman

Dateline: Meppen
John H. Baalman, 77, passed away at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at his home in Meppen, Illinois. He was born on October 15, 1947, in Meppen, Illinois, the son of Raymond and Wilhelmina (Kronable) Baalman.
John married Mary M. Hillen on November 18, 1967, and they were the parents of 7 children – all boys. His wife, Mary, died on December 12, 2002.
John re-married on May 1, 2009, to Jan Finley Hart of Florissant, Missouri. They resided together on the family farm until his death.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. John graduated from Calhoun High School, attended the University of Illinois, Carbondale, and enlisted with the United States Air Force.
John was very active in the community and was a member of St. Joseph Parish, St. Joseph Parish Council, Knights of Columbus, Richwoods Volunteer Fire Department, Calhoun County School Board, Farm Bureau, American Legion, Batchtown Sportsman Club, Calhoun County Ambulance EMT, and others.
John's main occupation in life was caring for and growing the family farm. He and his wife Mary also owned and operated the Mid-Way Service Station with the help of their sons. John also was employed by the County Housing Authority for facility maintenance and construction.
John was an avid sportsman and loved spending time in the woods and on the river. He shared his passion for the outdoors with his sons, which has been enthusiastically passed on to his grandchildren as well. His love of the outdoors is a legacy that will survive and be appreciated for many generations. He also enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren play and coach various sports teams. John was a huge history buff and enjoyed reading and researching the lives of Lewis and Clark, Teddy Roosevelt, and others. He was also very interested in the local history of Meppen and his family.
John is survived by his wife Jan of Meppen, Illinois and six sons and daughters-in-law: Mike & Connie Baalman of Old Monroe, MO with three children, Nicole, Mitchell & Neil, and one grandchild; Matt & Cindy Baalman of Batchtown with three children, Maddie, Grace & Brady, and one grandchild; Chris & Stacy Baalman of Meppen with two children Ashley & Morgan and three grandchildren; Ben & Christy Baalman of Hardin with one child Kaden; Andy & Jackie Baalman of Hardin with four children Lucy, Ryan, Mary & Evie; and Aaron & Beth Baalman of Meppen with three children Parker, Reed & Avery. He is also survived by 2 stepdaughters and step sons-in-law: Jennifer & Mike Ketchum of O'Fallon, MO with 2 children Alanna & Heidi; Melanie & Jason Brenton of Chesterfield, MO with one child, Grady.
In addition to his father and mother, he is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; a son, Jason; a step grandson, Maverick; and a brother, Norman.
Visitation will be held Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin.
The funeral Mass will be Monday, December 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Meppen.
Burial to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to St. Joseph's Cemetery or Family Choice.
Online condolences can be made at www.kallalandschaaf.com