Merlin Baltzer, 90, went to his heavenly home Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Sioux Falls VA Hospice Cottage.  Funeral service will be Monday, March 9 at 10:30 am, with visitation beginning at 9:30 am, at Salem Lutheran Church in Parkston.  Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.

Merlin was born July 3, 1935 to Edwin and Abilona (Krueger) Baltzer in the hospital at Parkston SD.  He attended country school near the farm through the 8th grade.  He helped on the family farm until being called to serve his country in the United States Army on January 11, 1955.  He served until being honorably discharged on December 17, 1956 at which time he returned to Parkston and continued working on the family farm. He was united in marriage to Shirley Pfeifer on August 12 1983 in Winner, SD.  The couple continued farming until retiring in 2003.  Merlin was a member of Salem Lutheran Church where he served in numerous leadership positions over the years.  He enjoyed shooting pool, hunting, playing pitch, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Shirley of Parkston; 3 children: Becky Pfeifer of White Plains, NY; Julia (Scott) Fausti of Marina, CA; and Thomas (Kristi) Pfeifer of Sioux Falls, SD; 5 grandchildren: Samantha (Christopher) McMacken, Alexander (Margaret Darling) Fausti, Olivia Pfeifer, Alana Pfeifer, and Daniel C. Herzner; a sister-in-law, Leona Baltzer of Parkston; and a beloved pup, Shadow.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Leroy Baltzer.