Eugene Baltes, the oldest (known) living man in the United States, passed away in River Grove, Illinois this past weekend (28–29 December), at the age of 110. His passing was first announced by Hines VA Hospital on their official Facebook profile.
Eugene John Baltes was born in Scott County, Minnesota, USA, on 29 October 1914, to parents John Peter Baltes and Margaret Josephine Breuer. His parents were born in the United States to German-born parents; all of his grandparents were born in Germany, except for his paternal grandfather, who was born at sea during his family’s immigration to the U.S.
During World War II, he voluntarily began his military career in November 1941 at the age of 27, and served in the Pacific Theater. After being honorably discharged, he worked for 18 years with the U.S. Postal Service. His wife, Zenaida, was his nurse at Hines Veterans Administration Hospital.
On 26 June 2024, following the passing of 110-year-old Vincent Dransfield of New Jersey, he became the oldest (known) living man in the United States.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Eugene Baltes during this difficult time.
