Michael Joseph Baltz

July 10, 1943 – September 9, 2026

Michael Joseph Baltz, born July 10, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, in Lehigh Acres, Florida, where he had made his home for more than 30 years.

Michael proudly served his country for 23 years in the United States Air Force and was a Vietnam veteran. He served in Flight Facilities Equipment Maintenance as an AFSC 30471 Flight Facilities Equipment Maintenance Craftsman and was stationed at various locations throughout the United States and Europe. He was incredibly proud of his service and of his work ethic, often reminding others that in 23 years, he had missed only three days of work.

But Michael’s greatest pride was always his family. He was a loving father to Steven Michael Baltz and Michele Lynn Mitchel, grandfather to 11 grandchildren, and great-grandfather to 10 great-grandchildren. He was incredibly proud of each of them, their lives, and their accomplishments. He was very proud to see the family’s tradition of military service continue through his son Steven and, in the next generation, through his grandson Joel a legacy of service, dedication, and honor that began with Michael and remained close to his heart.

Michael treasured the time he spent with his family. He really enjoyed Michele’s visits with her children and loved the photo albums she created, which allowed him to see what the family had been doing throughout the year and watch his grandchildren grow. He was preceded in death by his brothers Jim and David and is survived by his brother Skip, a priest with whom he shared a particularly close bond.

For nearly a decade, Michael shared his life with Sandy, who was an important part of his journey and brought companionship and love into his later years.

Since Lehigh Acres was home to Michael. There, he built lasting friendships and found a special community through St. Raphael Catholic Church. His friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners became an important part of his life, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Michael loved the simple pleasures of life—golf, bowling, bingo, shopping "on line", and spending time with the people he loved. He loved his dogs, Scruffy and Naila, and they loved going on walks with Grandpa. He was also known for his long conversations about politics, religion, the universe, family, and, of course, his latest purchases. He had a wonderful sense of humor and often said, “I’ll get there when I get there. I’m not in a hurry.”

Michael was a man of integrity. His word meant something. He was fair, hardworking, responsible, funny, loving, and always willing to help those around him. He was active at St. Raphael Catholic Church for many years and was proud to serve as a Knight of Columbus.

Michael will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his military service, his faith, his humor, his generosity, and above all, the love and pride he had for his family and the people whose lives he touched.

He will be honored with military honors and Knights of Columbus honors, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Raphael Catholic Church.

Rest peacefully, Michael.

Your work here is done.

You served your country.

You served your church.

You served your family.

You kept your word.

And now, finally, you don’t have to be in a hurry.

We’ll see you when we get there.

Michael Joseph Baltz passed on September 9, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on July 10, 1943, Michael was a resident of Lehigh Acres, Florida.

Visitation will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913, US, on September 17, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at St Raphael Catholic Church, 2514 Lee Blvd, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971, US, on September 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913, US, on September 18, 2026, from 11:30 am to 11:59 am.