Dr. Robert L. Baltzell

Dr. Robert L. Baltzell (Dr. Bob), age 61, died May 15, 2004 at Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska, following a two year battle with cancer.

Dr. Baltzell was born July 30, 1942 in Charles City, Iowa to Dr. Winston C. Baltzell and Virginia (Hampton) Baltzell. He graduated from Charles City High School in 1960, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and received the Men’s Citizenship award. He attended Grinnell College in Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1964. He graduated from the University Of Iowa College Of Dentistry in 1969. He served his family dentistry residency at the University Of Chicago Hospitals. He practiced dentistry for 34 years in New Hampshire and in Charles City, Iowa, and for the past 10 years in McCook.

He was united in marriage to Candice Borchers on December 27, 1967 at the United Methodist Church in Charles City, Iowa. Candice worked as his dental assistant for 25 years.

Dr. Baltzell was active in organized dentistry, serving on the board of the Nebraska Academy of General Dentistry and as a delegate to the Nebraska Dental Association. He was a member of the Oilbelt Study Club of Nebraska and Kansas. He was a member of the United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. He was a member of the McCook Rotary Club and the trumpet player in the McCook brass quintet. He was a past member of the Prairie Statesmen Choir. Dr. Baltzell loved music, camping, fishing, hiking, golf, canoeing, and working on the family farms. He was a pilot. He was active in scouting and was a recipient of the Eagle Scout award.

He is survived by his wife Candice: his mother, Virginia Baltzell of Leesburg, Florida; a brother, Dr. James Baltzell and wife Karin of Chanhassen, Minnesota; a sister, Nancy Walters and husband James of Iowa Falls, Iowa; and his mother-in-law, Eve Garden of Charles City, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his father. He was a loving uncle to 10 nieces and nephews and daddy to his schnauzer Hansie.

A memorial celebration was held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 22, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church in McCook with The Reverend Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of McCook.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.