Robert G. “Banjo Bob” Balthaser, 91, died on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at home in Lebanon. He was the husband of Gerda (Haas) Balthaser.
Born in Windsor Township, Berks County, he was the son of Robert M. and Verna V. (Rubright) Balthaser.
A 1950 graduate of Perry High School, Shoemakersville, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Panama Canal Zone from 1951 to 1954. He then enrolled at Elizabethtown College and graduated in 1958. Following college, he was employed as a reporter at the Hamburg Item, a weekly newspaper, and at the WHAT radio station in Lebanon. His last job was as a typist for the Lebanon Daily News. He enjoyed interviewing locals and artists, editing writing of all kinds, and writing witty, contentious letters to editors at regional newspapers. A career highlight was interviewing his favorite author, John Updike, after hunting down and boldly cold calling his number in the phone book.
He was equally talented as a musician. He was the last surviving member of The Olde Towne Minstrels, a banjo quartet that provided music in Lebanon and surrounding counties for over 20 years. He also performed solo sing-along programs at senior centers and retirement homes; played with pit orchestras for area musicals and with Dixieland bands; and performed for several years in the Lebanon Community Concert Band. He also played with the Rajah String Band of Reading and the Zembo String Band of Harrisburg.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Debbie Ziegler; twin grandsons, Corey and Collin Ziegler; and a brother, Dennis G. Balthaser, and his wife, Debby.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie; and a son, Scott.
Viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. at Christman’s Funeral Home, Inc., 226 Cumberland St., Lebanon. Funeral services will be on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Hill Lutheran Church, 998 N. Mill St., Lebanon, PA 17046. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Hill Lutheran Church, 998 N. Mill St., Lebanon, PA 17046.
For more information or to offer online condolences or send flowers, please go to www.christmansfuneralhome.com.
