Belvidere, IL

Clay Leo Balsman, 88, of Belvidere, Illinois, died Monday, June 19, 2017 at Northwoods Care Centre. Born September 22, 1928 in Chester, Illinois the only son of Rosemary and Noah Balsman. He married Elsie Ruth Decker on November 9, 1950 in Hernando, Mississippi and they moved to Belvidere soon after where Clay took a job as a local taxi driver. Later he drove for Keeshin Transport Systems before buying his own business, ABC Rapid Delivery in August 1964.Clay had a genuine love of nature and a special fondness for antique trucks and trains. He was a long-time member of the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL and the American Truck Historical Society.

Clay is survived by his children; son Russ (Lois) Balsman, daughters Mary Rittweger and Linda (Joe) Roberts and son David (Kelli) Balsman; six grandsons; Aaron (Marielle), Erich (Devin), Joshua, Benjamin, Alex (Becca) and Jonathon, and great-children, Mason and Ella.Clay was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Elsie Balsman.

Visitation will be held 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, June 29,2017 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL. Private family services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Heartland Hospice.  To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com