Robert “Dick” Ballantyne Sr.

Robert “Dick” Ballantyne Sr., 88, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 2, 2014, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 419 North Delaware Avenue, Mason City, with the Rev. Mark Larenz officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. 

  Memorials contributions can be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or American Legion #0101.

Robert was born in rural Cerro Gordo County on March 23, 1926, to George and Dora (Ebaugh) Ballantyne, and was one of eight children.  He did attend the rural Cerro Gordo County Schools during this time and soon after enlisted in the Army from 1944 to 1946.  Robert was married to Ethel (Braun) on Oct. 17, 1948, in Mason City and in this union had three boys.  

Robert worked for Borden Ice Cream Company as a route salesman for 32 years.  He also worked at Hy-Vee for 10 years and volunteered for 17 years driving veterans for the DAV.  Robert enjoyed bowling throughout the years and after retirement enjoyed his time with woodworking and spending time with his family and friends.  He was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, a life member of the VFW  #733 for 18 years, was a member of the American Legion #0101 for 46 years.  He fought in WWII and was a recipient of The Purple Heart.  

Robert is survived by his wife, Ethel (Braun) Ballantyne; three sons, Robert (Deb) Ballantyne, of Mason City, Ron (Dawn) Ballantyne, of Rock Falls, Iowa, and Rick (Jody) Ballantyne, of Maple Grove, Minn; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Beverly (Gene) Tindall, of Oklahoma; Sharon Barnes, of Missouri; one brother-in-law, Virgil Overson of Fertile, Iowa; three sisters-in-law, June Ballantyne, of Clear Lake, Irene Ballantyne, of Clear Lake, and Susan Ballantyne, of Missouri, along with many family and friends.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Eric Reson; and four brothers, Darel, Stanley, Norman “Bill” and Gary Ballantyne; and one sister, Ruth Overson.   

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.