Keith Roland (W5WBA) Baltz

Baltz, Keith Roland (W5WBA) June 22, 1924 - March 4, 2014 Born in Castalia, Iowa, to Ernst John and Anna (Schellhammer) Baltz, Keith spent his early years in the small town farming community. He graduated from Castalia High School and moved with his parents to California when World War II broke out. He was drafted into the US Army in 1943, he served in the CBI theatre at Dibrugarh, India, from 1944 to 1946. Returning to California, he helped his father build the family home, then began his college studies on the GI Bill. He transferred to the University of New Mexico in 1949 and received his degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1952. He met his wife, Barbara (Owens) at the First United Methodist Church Wesley Club in 1950, and they were married in 1951. Keith's first job was with the Santa Fe Railway where he worked on the last steam engine before the railroad switched to diesel engines and downsized the workforce. Utilizing his background in Amateur Radio and electronics, he secured a job with Sandia Corporation where he was assigned to the Field Test Division and participated in Joint Task Force 8 and the live atmospheric nuclear tests. In 1971 he left Sandia and he and Barbara built and managed several rental houses. He joined BDM Corporation in 1974 and remained with the firm until retirement. Actively involved in politics in the 60s and 70s, Keith ran for the State Legislature in 1972 and was twice a delegate to the Republican National Conventions. He and Barbara were election officials for over 50 years. During these years, Keith was building their adobe home which was one of the first on the West Mesa. He was active in the CBI Veterans group and served as their first Commander. He is a member of the American Radio Relay League, Upper Rio FM Society, life member of the National Rifle Association, and the Two Som class at their church. Keith enjoyed backpacking, camping, and volunteering communication services for charity races and bike rides. A loving husband, playful father, and affectionate grandfather, Keith's wisdom and strength will be missed by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernst John and Anna (Schellhammer) Baltz, his brother Loyle, and stillborn twins Frederick and Ely Baltz. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Barbara, children Ann Baltz Aks (David), David (Roxanne), Dale (Jaffa), Brian (Danielle); grandchildren, Julia Aks, Madeline, Vincent, Joseph, Monica Baltz, Keziah and Rachel Baltz, Samantha and Melanie Baltz; sister-in-law, Nancy Smith; and nieces and nephew Susan Hostetler, Alice Baltz, Carol Ammary, Larry Baltz, and Judy Stillwell, and Keri Sutter (Ross). A Celebration of Life will be held 2 pm, Sunday afternoon March 9, at First United Methodist Church, Fourth Street and Lead Avenue SW. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Keith's memory to First United Methodist Church, 314 Lead Avenue SW, NM, 87102. Please visit our online guestbook for Keith at FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333