Balzer, Anna Penner (1868-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 Dec 19 p. 2 [bio]

Birth date: 1868 December 14, S. Russia
Date of Death: 1970 August 20, Kansas

text of obituary:

At Inman

Kansas Immigrant of '74 Marks 100th Birthday

Inman, Kan. — Mrs. G. H. Balzer, one of the few remaining Mennonite pioneers who came to the central Kansas area from the steppes of southern Russia in 1874, observed her 100th birthday last Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Pleasant View Home here.

Although no large observance was planned because of her rather frail health, Mrs. Balzer had an enjoyable day as family members, nieces and nephews and a number of friends called to offer congratulations and best wishes. She also received more than 100 cards.

Her children living in this area were hosts for the occasion and served refreshments. They are Mr. and Mrs. D. V. Unrau of Newton, Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Balzer of Inman, and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Otto C. Balzer, also of Inman. Another daughter-in-law, Mrs. August Balzer of Natchogdoces [sic Nacogdoches], Texas, was here early in December. There are ten grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Balzer, the former Anna Penner, was born in Russia on Dec. 14, 1868. She came to this area with her parents, four sisters, and one brother, and the family settled in the Buhler-Inman area. The four sisters married four brothers of the Peter Balzer family, Anna's marriage to Gerhard Balzer taking place Sept. 5, 1894. The family home was on a farm two miles east of Inman. Mr. Balzer died in 1935.

Mrs. Balzer was the first resident of the original home for aged here, and has lived at Pleasant View Home since its completion. Because of impaired vision she can see only light and bright colors, but she is blessed with good hearing and a clear mind, and keeps up with current events by listening to the radio.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Sep 10 p.6

text of obituary:

1874 Immigrant From Russia Dies At Inman Home, Age 101

Inman, Kan. — Mrs. Anna Balzer, one of the few survivors of the Mennonite migration from Russia to America in 1874, died at the Pleasantview Home here Aug 31 at the age of 101.

Mrs. Balzer, the former Anna Penner, was born at Paulsheim, South Russia on Dec 14, 1868. She came to the Buhler community with her parents in 1874, and was married here to Gerhard Balzer in 1894. He died in 1935.

Mrs. Balzer was the first resident at the Inman Nursing Home, which was replaced some years ago by the Pleasant View Home.

She was a member of the Inman Mennonite Church, where the funeral was conducted Friday forenoon with Rev. Ben Friesen in charge. Burial was made at the Hebron Cemetery near Buhler.

Surviving are a son, Albert of Inman; one daughter, Mrs. D. V. (Marie) Unrau of Newton; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

The Mennonite obituary: 1970 Sep 22 p. 577

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MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Alexanderthal, S. Russia, Paulsheim, Molotschna, S. Russia
Daughter of David and Sarah (lohrenz) Penner
Married Gerhard Balzer 1894 September 5, Inman
Homemaker -- Inman, Kansas

Bethel alumni note:

Photo holdings:
See Jacob Balzer (1862-1924) for grou photo

Sources:
Harold M. Balzer (verbal) 1993
Grandma Profile #86232: DOB 1868 December 2*
Find A Grave 173105800: DOB 1868 December 14
The Mennonite 1970 Sep 22 p. 577: Obituary, DOB 1868 December 14

• Julian Calendar was used in Russia until 1918. This date corresponds to December 14 on the Gregorian Calendar used currently)