Obituary

Arnold A. Balzer, 85, died Friday (Aug. 10, 2007) at Newton Medical Center in Newton,

He was born on Feb. 25, 1922, in Whitewater to Abraham and Ida (Gaede) Balzer. On June 17, 1945, he married Evelyn Schroeder at Tabor Church in rural Goessel. She survives at home. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of the First Mennonite Church in Newton. He retired from the United States Post Office in Hutchinson. He also was a member of the Good Sam Club where he held several offices throughout the years. He greatly enjoyed camping with his wife and friends and especially enjoyed their winters in Texas and Arizona. He had several hobbies, including plastic canvas making, wood working and handwork. He enjoyed tinkering with machines and was always willing to share his knowledge and help his friends and neighbors.


Survivors include daughters, Bonnie Dietrich of Enterprise, Ore., Carolyn Cooper of St. Joseph, Mo., Gloria Solis of Overland Park and Diana Koeperich of German Town, Ohio; a son, Francis Balzer of Colfax, Wis.; a brother, Howard Balzer of Potwin; a sister, Janie Nickel of Hillsboro; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Terry Balzer; a brother, Frank Balzer; and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. Family will be present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First Mennonite Church in Newton with Pastor Clarence Rempel officiating. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Restlawn Gardens of Memory in rural Newton. Memorials may be made to First Mennonite Church Mission Fund in care of the funeral home.