Melvin Samuel Balzer

MELVIN SAMUEL BALZER

The Tigers and Spartans lost another fan this week as Melvin Balzer (87), of Unionville, was called home to the Lord on Thursday, January 14, 2021.

Melvin was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  This wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on the hearts of his family, including his wife and best friend of 69 years, Frances (Strieter), his children Patricia (David) Hofmeister,  Renea (Rod) Tarzwell, Sue (Rob) O'Neil  and Ron (Ann) Balzer, along with his 11 grandchildren Amy Hofmeister, Karen (Melaku) Habte,  Amy (Doug) Tietz, Steve (Andrea) Tarzwell, Sara (Nathan) Mastie, Brandon (Cortney) Lupp, Jeremy (Lorie) Lupp, Janelle (John) Estelle, Samuel (Haley) Balzer, Andrew Balzer, and Danielle Balzer. 2 step-grandchildren, Matthew O'Neil and Mallorie O'Neil, and 13 great-grandchildren Joshua, Ashley, and Lindsay Hofmeister, Edward and Katie Tietz, Grace and Kyle Mastie, Sydney and Sawyer Lupp, Lily Lupp, Ezra and Ella Estelle, and Rhett Balzer.

Faith and family were the pivotal essences of Melvin's life. He was proud and honored to be the patriarch of his family.  Melvin was born on February 7, 1933, in Unionville, the oldest of two children of Sam and Emma (Berg) Balzer.  His sister Esther Menzel survives him. Melvin was baptized March 5, 1933 at New Salem Lutheran Church and was confirmed on June 2, 1946 at St Paul Lutheran Church, Caro.

Melvin met Frances, the love of his life, during high school, and they were married in 1951.  After working in Detroit and Saginaw, Melvin and Frances moved back home to the Unionville area, where they spent the rest of their lives together.  Melvin retired from Local 85 after working for 25 years as a welder, and continued to work part-time for Michigan Sugar Company preparing equipment for the fall harvest.  He instilled the value of hard work in his family, and set a strong example in faith, serving as an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He also served as delegate to the national convention of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod four times.

Melvin enjoyed many decades with Frances attending high-school sporting events and camping with family and friends.  He liked watching Lawrence Welk on Saturday nights, and made sure not to miss the Michigan State Spartans and Detroit Tigers.  Above all, he was passionate and proud of his children and grandchildren, and he never passed on an opportunity to sneak M&Ms to his great-grandchildren.  Although his family is left with heavy hearts, they find comfort that Melvin is in heaven watching over them.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, brother in-law Harvey Menzel, and his grandson, Michael Hofmeister.

The visitation and service will be held Monday, January 18, 2021, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. Visitation will begin at 10am until the time of service at 12.00pm. Due to Covid-19, masks must be worn and please social distance.  Rev. Steven Stolarczyk and Rev. Michael Boyer will be officiating.

Burial will be at Columbia Township Cemetery in Unionville.