Jonathan Ballenger died unexpectedly on June 30, 2023 on his way to San Antonio, Texas to visit family. Jonathan was accompanied by his mother Cristy Ballenger and had a bright future ahead of him.
Jonathan was very involved with his family and the First Baptist Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Pastor Rick Sweenie, First Baptist Church, Council Bluffs, Iowa, was quoted as saying that “he and Jonathan had many deep theological discussions and was 100% sure about Jonathan’s faith in Christ and that Jonathan had grown closer to the Lord” and in fact, in the last 24 months Jonathan had decided to be re-baptized.
Jonathan had recently graduated from Dordt University, and while at Dordt Jonathan played collegiate football, and was pursuing fall employment.