Joseph "Joe" Angelo Ballantini

Joseph "Joe" Angelo Ballantini, 85, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, leaving behind a legacy of strong faith, hard work, and unconditional love and support for his family and friends.

Joe was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 13, 1940, to Aldo Joseph and Violet Mary (Giannasi) Ballantini. He graduated from Saydel High School in 1959. On January 6, 1960, he joined Local Union 21 Plasterers and Cement Masons (now Local 538), where he remained a proud union member for 66 years. Joe spent his entire career with Vatter and Walter, which later became Walter Inc., retiring in the fall of 2003.
Joe was also a proud 59-year member of the Vittoria Lodge in Des Moines.

Earlier in life, Joe was married to Angela Vitiritto, and together they welcomed two sons. In 1971, he married the love of his life, Donna Hoffer. Together they shared nearly 55 wonderful years of marriage and raised two more sons. Joe and Donna were faithful members of All Saints Catholic Church in Des Moines.

Joe was deeply proud of his Italian heritage and was always entertaining family and friends with Italian sayings, jargon, and slang. He and Donna were fortunate to fulfill a lifelong dream by visiting Italy twice.

A gifted cement mason, Joe left his mark throughout central Iowa. He poured countless driveways and built many garages for family and friends. He personally built the garages at both homes where he lived as an adult, completed all of the concrete work, and even bricked both the house and garage at his second home. Joe truly was a master craftsman and a jack of all trades, skilled in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, brick and tile masonry, drywall, and, of course, cement masonry. His work ethic and craftsmanship will stand as a lasting legacy.

After retiring, Joe enjoyed restoring and tinkering with his classic cars, attending numerous car shows, and was a proud member of the Concrete Cruisers Car Club. He especially enjoyed driving his classics to Porky's Cruise Night and attending the Goodguys Car Show for many years. He also spent countless hours working on vintage Wheel Horse lawn tractors and was always ready to lend a helping hand with home improvement projects for family and friends.
Joe was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan who rarely missed a football or basketball game. He loved cheering on the Hawks with family and friends, and his devotion to the team was evident—even his favorite dog was named Herky.

Above all else, Joe's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his four sons, Aldo (Lori), Frank (June), Tony (Alicia), and Rocky (Cinzia); his grandchildren, Allysa, Hailey, Michael, Isabelle, Kiara, Nico, Mattia, Gianna, Brody, Heather, Nick, and Austin; his great-grandchildren, Makenna and Gunner; his sisters, Virginia (Bill) Strauss and Darlene Cross; his sister-in-law, Patricia Watson; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna; his parents, Aldo and Violet Ballantini; and his brothers-in-law, Kenny Cross and Mike Watson.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Mercy Hospital, MercyOne Ankeny - with special appreciation to Dr. Harrison, Ramsey Village, and Mercy Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided to Joe during his final days. Their professionalism, compassion, and dedication brought comfort to both Joe and his family, and their kindness will always be remembered.

Family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Joe will be laid to rest at Pine Hill Cemetery, 524 NW 54th Avenue, Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to All Saints Catholic Church.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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