Donald " Don" Francis Baltunis' Obituary
Donald “Don” Francis Baltunis 79, of Tavares, FL went to be with the Lord on June 16, 2019. Don was born on November 29, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Francis and Estelle Baltunis. Don was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and The United States Army. He served in the Navy in 1964. During Don’s service in the Army he was a part of our Military Police force and served our grateful nation from May,1965 to 1969. Don graduated from the University of Maryland with his bachelor’s degree in education and then later obtained his master’s degree in counseling from Western Illinois University. He was a teacher in the Rock Island school district for many years. Don then became a counselor in Davenport, Iowa and later taught his last year at Milestones Community School in Leesburg, FL. Don was a well-respected and beloved teacher by all his students. He had a great impact on many young lives and enjoyed going to visit his former students who will always remember him as Mr. B. Don married the love of his life Judith Katherine Allen on December 26, 1963 in Belleville, Illinois. Don and Judy moved to Florida from Rock Island, Illinois in 2000. He was an active member of The First United Methodist Church, of Tavares, FL. Don served God in many ways throughout his life. He was part of the Stephen ministry, sang with the praise team, and was active in the youth ministry within his church. He enjoyed boating, acting, playing the guitar, and performing, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. Those who knew Don will remember him most for is gregarious personality and his compassionate and generous nature. He was a funny man who was always the life of the party. A big guy with a big heart, and “The leader of the band”. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years: Judy Baltunis, of Tavares, FL; Sons: Scott ( Sarah) Baltunis, of Leesburg, FL, Chris (Cynthia) Baltunis, of Tavares, FL, and Steve (Kristi) Baltunis, of League City, TX; Daughter: Catherine (Matt) Johnson, of Sorrento, FL; Sisters: Joan Bonahoon, of Escondido, CA and Susan Wybraniec and her spouse Norma Johnson, of Tucson, AZ; Grandchildren: Adam Allaire, Jacob Baltunis, Gabriel Baltunis, Gavin Baltunis, Annelise Baltunis, and Land Baltunis; Great- Grandchildren; And numerous nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Don was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed by many. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday June 29, 2019 at 3:00Pm at First United Methodist Church, of Tavares, located at: 600 W. Lanthe St. Tavares, FL 32778. In lieu of flowers donations in Don’s name may be made to the youth Ministry of First United Methodist Church of Tavares. Checks may be mailed to P. O Box 1086, Tavares, FL 32778.Memories and condolences may be shared with the Baltunis family on the tribute wall. Services have been entrusted to Steverson Hamlin and Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, located at 226 East Burleigh Blvd. Tavares, FL 32778.
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