Balzer, Walter Jacob (1926-2007)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2007 May p. 30

Birth date: 1926 Jun 23

text of obituary:

WALTER JACOB BALZER

Walter Balzer died Feb. 26. He was born June 23,1926 in Scottsburg, Sask. to Daniel and Sarah Balzer. He accepted Jesus as Saviour in 1946 and was baptized, joining Vauxhall (Alta.) MB Church. Several years later he moved to Vancouver to work with B.C Electric. He married Mary Gossen Aug. 17, 1952. They moved to Ontario and became house parents to some 20 delinquent boys. Fourteen months later, they started working at Bethesda Home in Vineland, Ont. with physically and mentally challenged adults. Walter obtained contracts from businesses to create jobs for people with special needs. In 1976, Walter and Mary responded to the call to direct Calgary Gospel Light Mission, where they served for 5 years and ministered to people struggling with substance abuse. They also served as pastoral couple in Snow Lake, Man. and as church planters in Nipawin, Sask. Walter and Mary enjoyed training students in evangelism and pastoral ministries. Upon retirement, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C, where Walter became involved in local evangelism and preached in senior care homes. He is mourned by Mary; sisters Dora Friesen, Margaret, Mary Petriew, Verna (Peter) Derksen; brothers Jake (Esther), Dan (Kay), and John (Isabelle). The memorial service was Mar. 7 at Clearbrook MB Church.