Balzer, David D. (1892-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Nov 21 p. 6

Birth date: 1892 Oct 30
Date of Death: 1957 November 16

text of obituary:

— David D. Balzer, 65, retired farmer of the Buhler community, died Saturday at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Hebron Mennonite church, with Rev. O'Ray Graber in charge. Mr. Balzer leaves his wife, Agatha; two sons, both of Inman; two brothers, John and Isaac of Buhler; one sister, Mrs. Katie Neufeldt of Inman; and three grandchildren.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Nov 28 p. 8

text of obituary:

DAVID D. BALZER

David D. Balzer, son of John and Sara Penner Balzer, was born on a farm in McPherson County, Kansas on Oct. 30, 1892. He attended and graduated from the Lake Valley District School. Feeling the need for more education, he completed the course at the Hoffnungsau Preparatory School.

With his parents he attended the Hebron Church from childhood on. He felt the need of a Saviour and so upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, he was baptized into the Church of Christ and the membership of the Hebron Mennonite Church of Buhler, Kansas by Rev. A. M. Martens on July 6, 1913, and remained a faithful member until his death.

On June 17,1915, he was united in marriage to Agatha Siemens. They lived on the farm on which he was raised until 1952 when they moved to Buhler. Into this home five children were born, two of whom he was privileged to see grow to maturity.

Father was always interested in his church and community, and served them to the best of his ability. He was active in many civic affairs. As long as his health permitted he worked in the church holding such offices as choir director, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, and deacon.

His musical ability provided him many hours of enjoyment. He played cornet in the Lake Valley Band when he was young. His main interest in music was to further the Kingdom of God.

About ten years ago his health began to fail. After breaking his hip four years ago he was confined to a wheel chair. His wife was a loving companion and constant helper, especially during these last years of poor health.

Several times during the last few years he mentioned, “I would like to stay with you, but if God calls, I am ready,” and just before he entered the hospital the the [sic] last time he said, “I would like to see Jesus.” Communion through prayer with his Master meant a great deal to him and gave him strength and courage during these long years of illness.

He was taken to the Bethel Deaconess Hospital after a brief illness at home, but his response there was very limited. At the time of his death on Nov. 16,1957, he had reached the age of 65 years and 17 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure his devoted wife, Agatha; two sons, Victor S. and wife, Lorene, with their children, Ronald, Harlin [sicHarlan], and JoAnn; and John R. and wife, Velma Jean, with their family John and Tim Schmidt. Also surviving him are two brothers, John A. and Isaac H., both of Buhler; one sister, Katy, Mrs. J. G. Neufeldt of Inman; and many relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; three children, Melvin, Menno, and Annie Ruth; one grandchild, Janie; four sisters, Sara, who died in infancy, Anna, Mrs. Cornelius Franz, Sara, Mrs. J. J. Enns, and Katy, who died in infancy; and three brothers, John and David, both of whom died in infancy, and Peter W. Balzer.

Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1957, at the Hebron Mennonite Church with Rev. O'Ray Graber officiating. He was laid to rest in the Hebron Cemetery, Buhler, Kansas.

---

MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Inman, Kansas
Son of John and Sara (Penner) Balzer (wife 1)
Married Agatha Siemens 1915 June 17, Inman, Kansas
Farmer -- Buhler, Kansas

Bethel alumni note:

Photo holdings:
See John Balzer (1852-1930) for fam;ily photo

Sources:
Balzer Fam. Tree I-5
Harold Balzer 1989 corresp.
Grandma Profile #134019, DOD 1959 October 6
Find a Grave 72380544, DOD 1957 November 16 (on tombstone)