Obituary of Leroy Edwin Baltzer

Parkston – LeRoy Edwin Baltzer, 87, went to his heavenly home Tuesday, March 19 at Avera Bormann Manor in Parkston. Funeral service will be Saturday, March 23 at 10:30 am at Salem Lutheran Church in Parkston. Visitation will be Friday, March 22 from 5 to 7 pm with a 7:00 pm prayer service at Salem Lutheran Church in Parkston. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.

LeRoy was born July 23, 1931 to Edwin and Abilona (Krueger) Baltzer on the family farm near Parkston. He attended country school through the 8th grade near there. He helped his parents on the farm before entering the United States Army on November 13, 1952. He served his country during the Korean Conflict until being honorably discharged on September 15, 1954. LeRoy was united in marriage to Leona Pietz on January 15, 1956 at Friedens Reformed Church in Tripp. The couple made their home on a farm near Parkston. LeRoy enjoyed farming and raising cattle and retired in 2001. In addition to farming, he also drove the township maintainer for many years. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, where he held various offices through the years, the American Legion and VFW. He enjoyed spending time with his family and also hunting and fishing, camping, playing Pitch with friends, listening to music, riding his motorcycle, and traveling.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Leona of Parkston; 3 children: Sharon Baltzer of Mesa, AZ; Douglas (Linda) Baltzer of Mitchell; and Alan (Amy) Baltzer of Rochester, MN; 3 grandchildren: Michael (Josie) Sonne, Dylan Baltzer and Sophia Baltzer; 2 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Merlin (Shirley) Baltzer of Parkston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Karen; and a grandson, Jesse Sonne.