Thomas Lee Ballantine

Thomas L. Ballantine, 64 of Devils Lake ND formerly of Webster City, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at his home. Funeral Services for Tom will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on  Wednesday, November 30th at 9:00 a.m.  Pastor Bruce Dick will officiate and burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Jewell, Iowa at a later date. Thomas Lee was born on April 17, 1947 in Hamilton County, Webster City, Iowa, the son of Merle Walston and Betty Phyllis (Christensen) Ballantine. He grew up and was educated in Webster City, graduating from high school with the class of 1965. He continued his education in Minnesota, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree at Moorhead State University. He worked as a paraprofessional at Warwick Public School from 1972-1974 then worked as a bookkeeper for several years at Lake Chevrolet and later CompuServ. He also was the manager of Business and Pleasure for a time. He returned to education and worked as a paraprofessional with the Devils Lake Public School System. At the time of his death, Tom was employed with Creative Impressions. Tom was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the St. Olaf Choir and former member of the Devils Lake Community Orchestra, Fort Totten Little Theater and the Pioneer Players. When he took a break from his favorite pastime-music- Tom enjoyed working crossword puzzles and he generously gave of his time cutting quilt squares for the St. Olaf Quilters. Tom was a quiet, unassuming man, but his kindness, gentleness and generous ways will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him. Tom is survived by his brother Bill Ballantine of Carmel IN; sister-in-law Sandy Ballantine of Denver CO; niece and nephews Matthew (Dawn) Ballantine and Joshua Ballantine all of Indianapolis IN: Kris (Doug) Seely of Loveland CO, David (Carol) Ballantine of Fort Collins CO and Danny (Evie) Ballantine also of Denver; several cousins from Iowa also survive. Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents and brother Ronnie Merle Ballantine.