Joseph Wayne Ballantine

Joseph “Joe” Wayne Ballantine was born on June 20, 1951, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Donald and Sharlie (Killeen) Ballantine. Joe attended school in Fort Myers, Florida, until his family moved to Iowa. He continued his education at AR-WE-VA Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1969. Following graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served until his honorable discharge.

On November 4, 1972, Joe was united in marriage to Barbara Koch in Fort Myers, Florida. The couple made their home in Florida for the next few years before eventually moving to Iowa. They were blessed with two daughters, Kristina and Kelly. In 1993, their family grew when Nena Reyes, a foreign exchange student from Honduras, came to live with them.

Joe was a hardworking and generous man who spent his career in a variety of jobs, though he especially enjoyed long-haul trucking. As the years went on, he transitioned to shorter routes before health issues eventually led him to retire from driving. Throughout his travels, Joe enjoyed sharing stories of his experiences on the road and always made sure to bring home little gas station toys for his daughters.

Family was incredibly important to Joe. He loved visiting with others, sharing stories, and keeping up with what his children and grandchildren were doing. He often worried about Kristina and Kelly and all of his grandchildren, but that worry came from a place of deep love and care. He was also proud of his service in the United States Navy and enjoyed reminiscing about his time growing up in Iowa, Arizona, and Florida. Joe had many stories to share about his family history, including his grandfather, who owned a drive-in movie theater and a skating rink in Denison.

In his free time, Joe enjoyed watching movies, riding his motorcycle, grilling, and taking care of his beloved acreage in eastern Iowa. He especially loved watching old television shows with Barb and spending time with his family. His homemade barbecue chicken was a family favorite, and he found happiness in the simple pleasures of everyday life. Although health challenges had kept him from enjoying many of his favorite activities in recent years, Joe continued to find joy in each day and in the love of those closest to him.

Joe passed away on September 26, 2026, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of 75 years, three months, and six days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Sharlie Ballantine; brother, Frederick Ballantine; and sister, Dena Niehaus.

He is survived by the love of his life, Barb Ballantine of Omaha, Nebraska; two daughters, Kelly Nieman (Sam Corbitt) and Kristina Rutledge (fiancé, Zach Loder), both of Omaha; four grandchildren, Max and Alana Nieman and Ellie and Gavin Rutledge; three step-grandchildren, Jesse, Peyton, and Avalyn Loder; three brothers, Dan, George, and Donnie (Sue); nieces and nephews; other extended family members; and many friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service beginning at 4:30 p.m., all on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Huebner Funeral Home in Westside, Iowa.