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Michael J. Baltes, 70, of Sandusky, passed away peacefully early Saturday evening, March 1, 2025, at the Providence Care Center, Sandusky.
Born on March 11, 1954, in Sandusky, OH the son of William Richard and Catherine Marie "Kakie" (Yakupak) Baltes. Mike was a graduate of the Valley Forge Military Academy, in Wayne, PA. He had worked at Georgia-Pacific Manufacturing (formerly Sandusky Plastics, Inc.) for many years, before retiring. As an active member of Holy Angels Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society, he was involved, for many years, in the church choirs, working BINGO and the yearly Thanksgiving Community Dinner.
Mike loved spending time with the family, especially with his niece and his nephews and he was a true animal lover, especially his dogs. Over the years, he enjoyed listening to all types of music like old time Jazz or to one of his favorite artist, Kenny G.. Mike will be remembered by his family for one of his commonly used sayings, which was, "Music touches every aspect of ours lives, we love it, for what it helps us remember, and we love it for what it helps us forget."
He is survived by his brother, Fr. Gabriel Brian Baltes of Lisle, IL; his sister, Dr. Lisa (Bob) Baltes Covol of Sandusky; a niece, Rachel; two nephews, Danny and Luke; a special cousin, David Burrus of Lancaster, OH; and his many cousins.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; and other relatives.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 4-6 pm at the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. Prayers will be recited Saturday morning, March 8, 2025, at 9:30 am at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 428 Tiffin Avenue, Sandusky. Fr. Gabriel Brian Baltes O.S.B. will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Sandusky.
Lisa and her family would like to sincerely thank the excellent staff at Providence Care Center. Their unending kindness, compassion, and superior care gave Mike and his family the best possible experience in the joyful times and the challenging times.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his name to Holy Angels Catholic Church, 428 Tiffin Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870; to the Humane Society of Erie County, 1911 Superior Street, Sandusky, OH 44870 or to Stein Hospice Service, Inc., 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Mike's family at davidfkoch.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael James Baltes, please visit our floral store.