William F. “Bill” Balbort, 76, of Burlington, died at 1:30 PM Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at the Great River Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born August 2, 1937, in Burlington, he was the son of William F. and Ruth Babcock Balbort Sr. On September 15, 1962, he married Linda Hester Jacobson in Burlington. They shared 51 years of marriage.
Bill grew up in Burlington. He was a 1956 graduate of Burlington High School and served in the National Guard.
He and his wife Linda owned and operated Balbort’s Confectionary for approximately 20 years. He later worked for Zaiser’s Landscaping and Nursery.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, snow skiing, bowling, and being outdoors on their family farm.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; three daughters, Kris Engel of O’ Fallon, MO, Tracy Balbort of West Burlington, and Becky Vanderhaar of Woodinville, WA; and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Mary Bruce.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Thielen Crematory.
Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, Sunday, January 5, 2014, at Thielen Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society.
Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Bill’s obituary at www.thielenfuneralhome.com.
