Balzer, Lorene Elva Gaeddert (1917-1997)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1997 Feb p. 10

Birth date: 1917 Dec 7

text of obituary:

LORENE G. BALZER

Lorene Elva Gaeddert Balzer was born Dec. 7, 1917, and died Feb. 6, 1997. She was the first of six children born to Peter R. and Lena Janzen Gaeddert. Her birthplace and home for nine years was on a farm in Nowata County, Okla. In the remaining 70 years of her life she lived in the Inman and Buhler, Kan., area. She died at Pleasant View Home in Inman.

Lorene attended Bethel College in North Newton and completed nurses' training at Grace Hospital in Hutchinson in 1942. She worked at Grace Hospital for a year. In 1962 she resumed her nursing career there. Later she worked for about 10 years at Pleasant View Home. She was respected and appreciated by staff and patients.

Lorene and victor S. Balzer were married at Buhler Mennonite Church on June 4, 1943. Four children were born. She devoted much time and energy to homemaking and supporting Vic in his work as a farmer.

Lorene was baptized and received into membership at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church on June 4, 1933. After her marriage she moved her membership to Hebron Mennonite Church. In 1989 she and Victor transfered back to the Hoffnungsau congregation.

Lorene was active in church women's groups and Bible studies. She and vic volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Service and the Mennonite Central Committee Et Cetra [sic Et Cetera] shop in Hutchinson. Lorene showed her love by cooking and serving bountiful meals. She cherished family times together.

Survivors include her husband, Victor; two sons, Ronald of Newton, and Harlin and wife Susan M9iller Balzer of Hesston; a daughter, Jo Ann Balzer and husband Steve Carr of San Jose, Calif.; five grandchildren; a sister, Velma Stoesz of Mountain Lake, Minn.; and three brothers, Melvin Gaeddert of Hesston, Elmer Gaeddert of Buhler and John W. Gaeddert of North Newton. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jane Deann, who was stillborn, and a sister, Erma M. Goering.