Bro. Ralph Ferdinand Baltz FSC (Anselm Francis)'s Obituary
Brother Ralph Baltz of the San Francisco-New Orleans District of the De La Salle Christian Brothers passed away on March 14, 2020, at the St. Paul’s Retirement Home in Covington, LA. He was 99 years of age and had been a member of our Congregation for 74 years. Brother was born in Little Rock, AK on August 27, 1920. He was the son of the late Leo Bernard Baltz, AFSC and Anna Mary Sorg Baltz, AFSC. He was preceded in death by his siblings Brother Leo Baltz, FSC, Donald Francis Baltz and Mary Baltz Odelia. He is survived by Brother Alfred Baltz, FSC and sister Gladys Baltz Quintero. Brother is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Brother received the Habit of the Brothers on August 14, 1936, pronounced First Vows in 1937 and Final Vows in 1945. He held a B.A. from Sacred Heart Scholasticate, Las Vegas, NM, in 1942. In 1954, he earned an M.A. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN. His first teaching assignment was at Cathedral High School in Lafayette, LA. in1939. Over the course of his teaching ministry, Brother taught in four schools in the Legacy District of New Orleans-Santa Fe. In 1953, he was assigned to attend the Second Novitiate in Rome, Italy. In 1954, he was assigned as Sub-Director of our Junior Novitiate in Lafayette, LA. He became Director of our Junior Novitiate in Lafayette, LA. In 1959-1966 he served as Director of Scholastics in Santa Fe, NM. At one point as Director of Scholastics he had 56 young Brothers in Formation. Over the course of his term as Director over 200 young Brothers received their Formation under Brother Ralph’s watchful eye.
Brother Ralph was a deeply spiritual man. He lived a life that balanced prayer, study and work. This is the way that most of the Brothers will remember him. He was devoted to prayer. He had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Mother (Our Lady of the Smile). He loved to work with his hands; especially in the garden. He had a tremendous work ethic and he passed it on to those in Formation. He also had the sense to realize that the young Brothers in Formation needed time to burn off energy. Every Saturday, he would take them off Campus to climb mountains, ice skating, tobogganing and visiting the many historic spots in New Mexico. The young brothers also learned many practical things under Brother Ralph, e.g., repairing roofs, mechanics and plumbing.
In 1966, with the changes being made in Congregations in response to Vatican II, Brother asked to be relieved of his duties as Director of Scholastics. Like many of our Brothers he struggled with the changes that took place in our Congregation. In September of 1966, he was assigned to St. Paul’s School in Covington, LA. It was a good transition year for him and by the end of the school year he was back in the position of leadership as Director-General of our Motherhouse in Lafayette, LA. His main ministry was the care of our Elderly Brothers. In 1971, he was once again in Formation ministry as Director General of our National Novitiate in Pittsburgh, PA. In 1973, he served in our National Novitiate in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, as Sub-Director. In 1977, Brother returned to our Motherhouse in Lafayette, LA, as Director of our Holy Family Community with the ministry of caring for our Elderly Brothers. In 1989, he was assigned as Director of the St. Paul’s Community. In 2002, he retired, but was called back to serve as Director of St. Paul’s in 2004. Finally, in 2006, he retired from all leadership positions. Once again he returned to his many hobbies and always worked around the community every day. He loved raising plants and trees. He was gentle, kind, dignified and one never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. He was truly a Servant Leader. His life can be summed up with the words of Scripture which speaks of the faithful and prudent servant whom the Lord sets over his household.
The Brothers are grateful to all who helped care for Brother Ralph during his brief illness: especially our Nurses and CNA’s.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Mass of Christian Burial will be private. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date. Brother’s cremains will be placed in the St. John Baptist De La Salle mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Abbey in St. Benedict, LA.
Donations in memory of Brother Ralph may be made to The St, La Salle Auxiliary, 917 S. Jahncke Ave.,Covington, LA. 70433.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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