Donald, a long-time resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on November 27, 2025, at the age of 84. Donald, the eldest of three children, was born in Chicago, Illinois on Sep 8, 1941, son of Walter F. and Dorothy L. Baltz (Carlson). Donald graduated from St Patrick High School in 1959, John Carroll University (B. S. Physics) in 1963, and UNLV (MS Computer Science) in 1989.
Shortly after graduation he married Mary Ann Tayerle on October 5, 1963, in Euclid, Ohio. They had dated throughout his student years. They moved to Las Vegas a few days later and Donald began his career with EG&G, NSTec, and Mission Support. They were blessed with four children: John Donald (deceased April 13, 1965), Michael, Michelle, and Kevin. He met Pamela Ayling in 1983 and married July 17, 1988, a relationship that lasted 32 years until she passed away. He had a short marriage with Karen Bushong (February 26, 2017, to March 31, 2020).
Donald’s career spanned 44 years starting as a Research Assistant and continued as a Software Developer, Software Engineer and Project manager supporting projects in the interest of national defense and weapons science at the Nevada Test Site. He retired in December 1999 returning to work as a subcontractor with Keystone International supporting the same projects into 2007, and again for a few months in 2010.
Donald always had an active social life. In earlier years he was active in the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight of Father Francisco Garces council 5693. In later years he became an avid Square Dancer and served as president of the Good Times Square Dance Club on several occasions. He served as publisher of The Bulletin of the Las Vegas Square and Round Dancers for 19 years. Don liked to travel, having been to 30 countries. He owned an RV for 30 years, traveled mostly western US but also RV’d in Alaska, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Baja, & mainland Mexico. He was an avid Duplicate Bridge player where he achieved the rank of Life Master. He jokingly said that work interfered with his social life, and that proved to be true as his social life increased after his full retirement.
Donald was a devoted father. He was proud of his three children and of the relationship he had with them. He cherished memories of the many camping trips and other excursions he had with them in their younger years and the relationships that continued as they grew into adults.
Donald was preceded in death by his Parents Walter and Dorothy Baltz; infant son John Donald; wife Pamela; and sister Marilyn Madden.
He is survived by his children Michael (Rebecca) Baltz, Michelle (James) Baltz-Mill, and Kevin (Heidi) Baltz; stepdaughters Lesley (Robert) Rusca, and Jacqueline Ayling; grandchildren: Trevor, Kellan, Autumn, Megan, Ashley, and Nicholas
The family will be receiving guests on Sunday, December 21st at 1:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at Palm Eastern Mortuary 7600 South Eastern Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89123. Private entombment will be at Palm Eastern Cemetery at a later date.
Light food and memories to follow the service immediately at Palm Eastern Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you consider donating to Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health:
Website: Https://givenv.ccf.org/DonaldBaltz
Phone: 702-263-9797
Mail: Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W Bonneville Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106 (please indicate donation in memory of Donald Baltz in memo section of check)
