MADISON - Benjamin Grant Baltes, age 63, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at his home. He was born on September 30, 1961, in Madison, Wis., the son of David and Dorothy (Schultz) Baltes.

Benjamin graduated from Wayland Academy High School in Beaver Dam in 1979. He went on to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard. On May 29, 1993, he married Jennifer McClure Baltes at Olbrich Gardens in Madison. His first career was in marketing and sales. Later he found his true calling in teaching. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in education from Western Governors University. He taught in the Sun Prairie School District at Horizon Elementary School. Benjamin then traveled with his family to Dubai to teach elementary school and 8th grade social studies. He also taught drama at the International

School of Islamabad, Pakistan.

Benjamin enjoyed being involved in musical theater since childhood. He was an actor and musical director in community theater and a director of school productions. He was also in the Festival Choir of Madison. He enjoyed traveling all over the world with family, and had been to five continents. He especially enjoyed Disney Cruises. One of his passions was working with Centro Hispano, where he helped set up a naturalization ceremony in Madison; he delivered the welcome speech and registered new citizens to vote. He was also a proud shareholder of the Green Bay Packers and never missed a kickoff. More than anything else, family is very important to him - especially his daughter, Lily. As Ben always said - to share a life lesson: "Don't forget to push in your chair.”

Benjamin is survived by wife, Jennifer; daughter, Lily Baltes; sister, Beth Dibbert (Dan);
nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Mark David Baltes and Stephen Bates-Baltes.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Memorials may be gifted to the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research (WIMR). Online
condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Benjamin Grant Baltes

September 30, 1961 - December 24, 2024

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