Robert G. Balthaser

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 Twp., 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 US 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 WHAT radio station in Lebanon. His last job was 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 1:00-3:00pm at Christman's Funeral Home, Inc., 226 Cumberland Street, Lebanon. Funeral services will be on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 12:00pm at Hill Lutheran Church, 998 N. Mill Street, Lebanon, PA 17046. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Hill Lutheran Church, 998 N. Mill Street, Lebanon, PA 17046. For more information, offer online condolences or send flowers, please go to www.christmansfuneralhome.com