Obituary: Joseph D. Baltz

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Joseph D. Baltz

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Joseph D. Baltz, 73, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026. Joe was born on October 11, 1952, to the late Donald E. and Bernice L. Baltz.

Joe devoted his life to the people he loved and the community he called home.

A lifelong resident of Troy Township, Joe grew up on the family farm in what is now Shorewood, Illinois. The Baltz family farm was a source of great pride to Joe and his family. The farm hosted the 1960 Farm Progress Show and later welcomed Emperor Hirohito of Japan during his historic 1975 visit to the United States. The farm taught Joe the value of hard work, integrity, service, and a commitment to community, and he carried those values throughout his life.

For all that he accomplished, Joe will be remembered most for the way he treated people. He never met a stranger. Whether someone had known him for years or had just met him, Joe had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. He loved telling stories and was always willing to lend a hand. His warmth, generosity, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His greatest joy, however, was his family. He treasured every moment spent with those he loved, especially his grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable happiness.

After graduating from Minooka High School, Joe earned degrees in business management and government before beginning his career as an auditor for the FBI in Washington, D.C. He later returned home to Will County, where he embarked on a banking career spanning nearly four decades, holding leadership positions at several financial institutions before retiring from Heartland Bank & Trust Company.

Although banking was his profession, Joe found his greatest fulfillment in helping others. Following in his father's footsteps, Joe proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Troy Fire Protection District for 33 years before continuing his service as a Trustee of the Troy Fire Protection District. He also served as a Trustee of the University of St. Francis, Chair-Couple and member of the University of St. Francis Caritas Foundation, President of the Will County Foster Grandparents Program, President of the Senior Services Center of Will County, Chairman of the Provena St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, founding Treasurer of the Will County Center for Economic Development, President of the Will County Local Development Corporation, and as a member of both the Will County Board and the Will County Forest Preserve District Board.

Joe was elected Troy Township Supervisor in 1984. Over the next 42 years, he transformed township operations through thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility, and long-term vision. From the construction of the original township office building in 1985 to the expansion of the Community Center in 2006, Joe's leadership helped modernize Troy Township while expanding the services it provided to residents. He championed programs that supported seniors, veterans, and families throughout the community. His leadership helped shape Troy Township into the community it is today, and his legacy will continue to be felt by generations of residents.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Baltz; daughters, Megan Baltz and Marcie (Steve) Duey; son, Brian (Jane) Baltz; grandchildren, Charlotte, Christopher, Hannah, Henry, John, and Frederick; brother, Gerald R. Baltz; brother-in-law, N. Gene Briscoe; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John E. Baltz; and his sister, Judy I. Briscoe.

Visitation for Joseph D. Baltz will be held Monday, July 27, 2026, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, Illinois.

All friends and relatives are invited to meet Tuesday morning, July 28, 2026, at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Avenue, Joliet, Illinois, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be directed by the family.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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