Freda Baltes

MIDDLETON-Freda E. Baltes, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at HospiceCare, Inc. in Fitchburg surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 28, 1921 to Gjert and Anna (Hotlan) Larson in Viroqua, the youngest of 11 children who were raised on the family farm. During World War II she moved to Red Wing, MN., where she worked at the Red Wing Pottery Factory. She then moved to Madison and was employed with Oscar Mayer for many years. She was united in marriage to Stanley Baltes on July 19, 1947 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Middleton. The couple operated Baltes Amusements as well as the Middleton Hotel. In addition to raising her own family, Freda also provided childcare in her own for a number of years and watched all of "her kids" grow to become fine adults. Following their retirement, Freda and Stan began traveled extensively throughout the United States as well as abroad. Freda enjoyed gardening, was proud of her vast flower and vegetable gardens sharing her produce with many. She enjoyed camping with her family, cooking, baking, always keeping her cookie jar full and was known for her apple pies. She was actively involved in many community organizations having been a 4-H leader for many years. Freda was also a member of the Ladies VFW Auxiliary of the William "Sonny" Simon VFW Post 8216 in Middleton where she served as past president for over 20 years. She was involved with the Middleton Good Neighbor Fest for many years, receiving the Middleton Good Neighbor Award in 1986. Freda was a longtime member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church and their Christian Mothers Society. Freda is survived by her husband, Stanley of 64 years; children, Steve (Debi) Baltes, Jean O'Neill, Jeff (Karen) Baltes and Patti Baltes; grandchildren, Trent, Haley, Brianna, Caylie, Jared and Kevin. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Freda was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, five sisters, her in-laws and a brother-in-law. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 4, 2011 with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. Burial will be in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, June 3, 2011 at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, and also on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the church. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to friends, neighbors, the doctors and nurses on 5th/8th floors/ER at St. Mary's Hospital, the nurses/therapists at Home Health United, as well as the staff at HospiceCare, for providing care and comfort to Freda. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or to Home Health United-Visiting Nurse Service Foundation, 4639 Hammersley Road, Madison, WI 53711.She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Mom your cookie jar will always be full. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or to Home Health United-Visiting Nurse Service Foundation, 4639 Hammersley Road, Madison, WI 53711. Cemetery: Burial will be in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison. Visitation: Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, June 3, 2011 at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, and also on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the church Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 4, 2011 with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding