Arthur Balzer

Arthur Balzer, 94, died on Sunday (Dec. 12, 2010) at Kidron Bethel Health Care in North Newton.

He was born on May 4, 1916, in Whitewater to Isaac and Emma (Harms) Balzer. On January 1, 1942, he married Louise H. Schroeder. She preceded him in death on Oct. 22, 2000.
Arthur was a current member of Grace Hill Mennonite Church. He was a retired teacher, coach and guidance counselor for the Goessel, Moundridge, Plains, Lehigh and Hillsboro school districts. Arthur enjoyed spending time with people, and following his retirement to Kidron Bethel in the mid-’90s, he volunteered with Prairie View, Youthville, Et Cetera Shop and Kauffman Museum. He also worked as a carryout at Dillons well into his 80s. Family was very important to Arthur, and he greatly enjoyed spending time with his loving family and many friends.

Arthur is survived by his daughter, Ann, and her husband, Mike Doerksen, of Newton; granddaughters, Emilie and Erin Doerksen of Newton; two sisters, Laura and her husband, Henry Janzen, of North Newton and Wilma R. Harms of Newton; and sister-in-law, Pauline Balzer of Whitewater.
He also was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Raymond Balzer; and a sister, Beathene Harms.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday (December 18) at the Grace Hill Mennonite Church cemetery. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church. The casket will be open from 1 to 1:20 p.m. in the church foyer. Memorials have been designated for Bethel College, Kidron Bethel or Grace Hill Mennonite Church in care of Peterson Funeral Home.