Obituary of Robert M. Baltz

Robert M. Baltz (88) longtime Benewah County Sheriff, died Nov. 15, 2014 at St. Maries, ID. He was born July 17, 1926 to Lewis and Virginia (Elbin) Baltz at Abilene, Texas. The family moved to the Tensed area when he was a boy of about seven. He attended Highland School. The family moved to St. Maries where Bob attended high school until the age of 17 when he quit to join the U.S. Marine Corps. during WW II. Bob served in Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands and as a Corporal, he was assigned to Shore Patrol duty in China. After an honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to St. Maries. Bob tried various types of employment when he returned to St. Maries. He took pilot lessons and obtained his private pilot license and enjoyed many years of flying. Bob and Iris Lockard were married on Feb. 10, 1947. They had two daughters, Linda and Cindy. The marriage ended in divorce but not until they raised their daughters while Bob was dedicating his life towards his 32 year career in Law Enforcement. They resided in the third floor apartment in the Benewah Co. Courthouse where Bob could be on duty 24/7. Bob had worked as a city policeman for four years prior to being elected Benewah Co. Sheriff in 1952. He held that position until 1980. Bob was dedicated, honest and fair. He worked hard for the citizens of Benewah Co. and loved is job. Bob was recognized with many awards during his career, but his focus was more on enforcement. He and 25 or so other local working men organized the Benewah County Sheriff's Posse. The Posse was ready to assist for whatever reason. The teamwork between Bob and the Posse served the county proudly and generously. On June 4th, 1973, Bob and Bernadine St. George eloped to get married in Reno, NV. In 1978, they formed Industrial Security Police, Inc. and had up to 19 employees at one time. Bob managed the company and after his law enforcement ended in 1980, he became full time Safety Manager for Jack Buell Trucking. The security company was dissolved in 2005 and Bob continued working for Buell Trucking until he fully retired in 2008. Bob was a member of the Idaho Sheriff's Assn., St. Maries Masonic Lodge # 63 AF and AM, Plummer American Legion Post # 69 and the St. Maries Elks Lodge. Over the years, Bob enjoyed owning and riding horses. He also enjoyed golfing, riding ATV's, riding bikes on the bike path and traveling, mainly to the coast. Bob also enjoyed relaxing at their property near Fernwood. Bob is survived by his wife Bernadine at the family home in St. Maries. His daughters and sons-in-law Linda and Laren Jones of Coeur d' Alene and Cindy and Darrell Johnson of Hayden, ID. Also surviving are grandchildren Jeff (Julie) Funke of Billings, MT, Dusty (Jamie) Funke of Coeur d' Alene and Amy Johnson of Kirkland, WA. Six Great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Brother-in-laws Donald St. George of Fernwood, ID and Roger (Linda) St. George of St. Maries. He was preceded in death by both his parents and brother Jack Baltz. There will be a memorial service celebrating his life on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. At the St. Maries Elks Lodge with Pastor Janet Potter and Deacon Floyd Turner officiating. The family suggests memorials to help with the upkeep on the Veterans Memorial at Woodlawn Cemetery c/o Sara Sexton 701 College Ave., St. Maries, ID 83861. Visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Robert Baltz's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.