John Robert "Bob" Ballantine, 71

John Robert "Bob" Ballantine age 71 of Harpers Ferry, formerly of Elma, died unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 at his home.
Friends may greet the family from 1 - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton.
Bob Ballantine was born February 26, 1949 at the Hamilton County Hospital in Webster City, IA. He was the son of Donald and Phyllis (Robinson) Ballantine. Bob attended South Hamilton Schools in Jewell, IA and graduated in 1967. After graduation he went to Northwest Missouri State in Marysville, MO.
After college Bob began his career as a manager at the local Co-op in Kamrar, IA. It was there that he met the love of his life, Cindy Morton. The two were married on February 10, 1973. To this union three children were born; Jody, John and Jamie.
With his job being a Co-op manager he and his family moved around a bit. From Kamrar they went to Barnes City, Thornton and then finally made their permanent home in Elma. They were a part of the Elma community for over twenty years and Bob enjoyed his time at the Elma Co-op. Upon his retirement they decided to move to Harpers Ferry.
The couple loved the “river life”. Fishing, boating and relaxing near the water were some of their favorite activities. Along with the river life Bob also enjoyed golfing and spending time outside. He was a great conversationalist. He could talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Spending time with his family was especially important to Bob, he loved to cook for them. He was known as a grill master.
Bob is survived by his three children, Jody Head of Stratford, IA, John (Jill) Ballantine of East Dubuque, IL, Jamie Kellogg of Bellevue, IA; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren with one on the way; one brother, Jim (Mary) Ballantine of Hartland, WI; his mother, Phyllis Ballantine of Stanhope, IA.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Ballantine; his wife, Cindy Ballantine; one grandson, Jace Cajthaml.