Richard Baltrus age 86, of Lansing, IL passed away on August 28, 2024. Richard was born August 27, 1938 in East Chicago, Indiana to Joseph and Florence (Pavel) Baltrus. Richard is survived by his children; Kevin (Lynne) Baltrus, Flora (John) Reichanadter, Peter (Polly) Baltrus, Sarah (Patrick) O'Brien; seven grandchildren, Zachary (Marissa), Maxwell and Devin Baltrus, Elizabeth and Mark Reichanadter, Nicholas (Meghan) Baltrus; and Liam O'Brien; sister Yvonne (late James) Della Rocco, sister-in-law Marilyn Zendizian (late David); as well as many nieces, nephews, family members and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Joann, and his parents.

Visitation for Richard will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Schroeder Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road in Lansing, Illinois. Funeral services for Richard will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, beginning with 9:30 AM closing prayers at the funeral home, then proceeding to All Souls St. Ann Catholic Church, 3010 Ridge Road, Lansing, IL for a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Richard will be laid to rest at Assumption Cemetery, Glenwood, Illinois.

Richard graduated from Bishop Noll High School and Purdue University with a degree in Chemistry. He was a research chemist in Chicago with PRA Laboratories, Graham Paint, and retired from IIT Research Institute where he was responsible for coating part of the International Space Station. Richard was an Army veteran and a 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of St. Ann's Eucharistic Ministry, Kiwanis Club International, Chicago Area Camera Club Association, and Calumet Region Photo Club. Richard was an avid photographer receiving several awards for his work. Donations may be made to Eternal Anchor, eternalanchor.org.