Frances Johanna Balzer

Frances Johanna Balzer of Unionville, age 92, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Covenant Cooper in Saginaw, with her family by her side. She was born on August 13, 1933 in Unionville, the daughter of the late Arthur and Pauline (Arps) Strieter. Frances was the fourth child of seven, Betty, Velma, Arnold, Caroline, Pauline, and Paul. She was preceded in death by five of her siblings, her husband, and two grandsons, Michael Hofmeister and Jeremy Lupp.

Frances married the love of her life, Melvin Balzer on September 22, 1951 with A.W. Wilkening officiating. They lived in Hazel Park, Ferndale, and Saginaw before moving back to Unionville. God blessed their marriage with four children, Patricia (David) Hofmeister, Renea (Rod) Tarzwell, Sue (Rob) O'Neil, and Ron (Ann) Balzer. She loved that all her children attend church. They were also blessed with eleven grandchildren, Amy Hofmeister, Karen (Melaku) Habte, Amy (Doug) Tietz, Steve (Andrea) Tarzwell, Sara (Nathan) Mastie, Brandon (Cortney) Lupp, Janelle (John) Estelle, Samuel (Haley) Balzer, Andrew (fiancé, Becca) Balzer, and Danielle (fiancé, Bryston) Balzer; two step-grandchildren, Matthew O'Neil and Mallorie (Josh) Brown; fifteen great-grandchildren, Joshua, Ashley, and Lindsay Hofmeister, Edward and Katie Tietz, Solyanna Habte, Grace and Kyle Mastie, Sydney and Sawyer Lupp, Lily Lupp, Ezra and Ella Estelle, and Rhett and Sutton Balzer. Frances loved seeing her grandchildren get married and have families. She especially enjoyed their visits, big hugs, and phone calls.

Frances loved camping with family and friends, sewing, and working in her garden. She was blessed with good health until January of 2023 when she suffered a stroke. After spending eight months in therapy and assisted living, she moved to Bay View Garden in Sebewaing which became like family. Frances enjoyed volunteering at the Orphan Grain Train, quilting at Immanuel Lutheran, working elections, weighing trucks at the Sugar Beet Factory, and playing cards with friends and family. Frances was a dedicated member at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The love and faith she shared with her family and friends will be missed beyond measure and always remembered

Frances’ funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. Rev. Michael Boyer will officiate and Frances will be buried at Columbia Township Cemetery in Unionville, next to her husband. Frances’ family will be present to receive visitors at church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Immanuel Lutheran Church or ACW Ambulance Service.