Gerhart (Gary) E. Baalman was born June 12, 1937, in Sheridan County, Kansas, to E.A. Baalman and Leoba (Robben) Baalman. He graduated from Sheridan County High School with the Class of 1955 and married Janice Cass in Oakley, Kansas, on January 11, 1958.
Gary was a phenomenal husband, father, papa, brother, and friend whose family always came first. He and Janice shared a deep, lifelong romance, and they celebrated 64 years of marriage. Their home was centered on family traditions, deep, long-lasting friendships, card games, and faith. Gary especially loved playing and watching golf. He was an avid reader. Gary and Janice spent a great deal of time traveling, often to be with their children and grandchildren who were out of state.
A lifelong farmer and innovator, Gary was widely respected for his intelligence, work ethic, and forward-thinking approach to agriculture. Long before modern conservation practices became common, the Baalman operation was implementing ridge-till, no-till, and strip-till farming methods to conserve water and topsoil and reduce erosion. Gary won recognition for exceptional crop yields, including producing 262 bushels of corn per acre.
Gary had the mind of an engineer. If something broke, he fixed it. If the equipment could work better, he redesigned it. He routinely purchased new machinery only to dismantle, improve, and rebuild it for greater efficiency. He engineered and fabricated countless innovations for the family farm, including a self-propelled grain cart and sprayer, planters, strip-till rigs, feedlot systems, quonset trusses and structures, and even two of the first water-driven irrigation pivots powered by water pressure. A manure spreader he built as a high school project remains in use.
The Baalman brothers were known throughout northwest Kansas for being ahead of their time. Gary freely shared his knowledge with neighbors and major implement manufacturers alike, helping influence improvements. He believed in fixing rather than replacing and approached every challenge with determination and ingenuity. His creativity, mechanical ability, and systematic thinking left a lasting mark on modern farming, cattle, and ranching practices.
Gary’s farm shop, residential garages, closet, and bathroom drawers reflected his remarkable organizational skills and attention to detail. Every tool and everything had its place, and he could locate anything within seconds. And if something was missing, it was always his brother, Howard, jokingly. Gary shared an especially close bond with his brother Howard, his best friend and constant companion in innovation and conversation, often over a bourbon.
Though quiet by nature, Gary commanded tremendous respect in his community. When he spoke, people listened. He was opinionated, direct, competitive, and driven, yet deeply generous and committed to helping others. If a project benefited the community, Gary often volunteered his time, labor, or resources without hesitation, and often in secrecy. Gary had a special twinkle in his eye, often paired with a sharp wit, a legendary sense of humor, and practical jokes.
He served in numerous leadership roles throughout his life, including several years on the Midwest Energy Board of Directors, as a Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus, and as a lifetime member of the Hoxie Elks Lodge, the Kansas Livestock Association, and the Kansas Corn Growers Association. He was instrumental in starting Western Plains Energy. He also devoted countless hours caring for the local golf course and Catholic cemetery.
He strongly believed in hard work, discipline, and teaching others to think for themselves. His family remembers his toughness, high expectations, and unwavering commitment to passing down the work ethic and values that built the family farm and legacy.
A man of strong Catholic faith, Gary remained devoted to God throughout his life. He and Janice were lifelong members of either St. Martin’s or St. Frances Cabrini Catholic parishes. Even while battling laryngeal cancer, which eventually took away his natural voice and required a voice prosthetic, Gary faced life with determination, resilience, and courage.
Gary is survived by his children: Brian and wife Sheri of Menlo, Kansas; Gwen and husband Todd Dobbs of Flagstaff, Arizona; and Andrea Taylor and Michael Berger of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Cass (Alicia) Baalman, Coby Baalman, Hannah Dobbs, Tyler (Courtney) Dobbs, Kate Ostmeyer (Ryan Sargent), Will Taylor, Luke Taylor, and Nora Taylor; and eleven great-grandchildren: Arabella, Laken, Anne, Harper, Daisy, Bonnie, Eli, Ava, Ryder, and Navy.
A visitation is planned for Thursday May 14, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home with a Vigil and Rosary to follow at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday May 15, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Hoxie. Private family inurnment at a later date.
“Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28