Kenneth J. Balzer
Kenneth J. Balzer passed from this life on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, a day after his 89th birthday, at the Illinois Veterans’ Home in Quincy.
Ken was born Sept. 5, 1935, in Quincy to Philip and Rosalea Marie (Putz) Balzer and grew up on the family farm outside of Liberty along with his siblings James and Phyllis.
Ken attended a one-room school through seventh grade and then went to Liberty High School, where he graduated from in 1953. He worked at Gardner Denver for 1.5 years before returning to livestock and grain farming in the fall of 1955.
On Feb. 16, 1963, Ken married Betty Ruth Bent at First Christian Church in Camp Point. They were married for 61 years and raised three kids, Kendrick “Rick,” Michael “Mike” and Beth.
Family was incredibly important to Ken. He and Betty loved to square dance, and not a single family gathering went by without him telling his kids, grandkids and great grandkids how much each of them meant to him.
Farming was also a constant in Ken’s life. He raised pigs and cows on the homestead in rural Liberty and farmed corn and soybeans until 2007, before officially retiring in 2011. Ken was named Adams County Outstanding Young Farmer in 1966 and was a board member for the county’s Farm Bureau for 22 years.
Many memories were made with the Massey Ferguson 1080, and Ken cherished having his grandkids ride in the combine with him during harvest season.
Ken went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and served in the National Guard from May 6, 1958, to April 13, 1964.
He was a former member of First Christian Church in Camp Point, where he also served as a deacon, and a current member of Liberty Christian Church, where he previously served as a deacon, elder and chairman of the board.
Ken very much enjoyed bowling, softball, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ken is survived by his wife, Betty; children: Rick (Jeanine) Balzer, Mike (Sue) Balzer and Beth (Tim) Lee; grandchildren: Matthew, Derrick (Kaytlyn), Chelsea (Brandon) and Caryn (Jared), Alan (Lauren), Christen (Trevor) and Carrie, and Eric (Brooke), Megan (fiancé Spencer) and Jonathan; great-grandchildren: Elia, Charlotte and Briggs, Dane and Branch, and Foster. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis (Bob) McCormick; brothers- and sisters-in-law Delbert Bent and Dale (Margaret) Bent; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James (Pat) Balzer; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Wayne (Nadene) Bent and Norma Bent.
A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Liberty Christian Church. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the church. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Camp Point, IL with military honors conducted by Liberty American Legion Post #640. Memorials are suggested to Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch or to Liberty Christian Church. Service arrangements are with Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com
Thank you for your service sir, and may you rest in peace!
Thank you.
He was proud to have served our country.
Our Condolences to the Family.
I always remember the way he’d go out of his way, to make you feel comfortable.
Enjoyed our Sunday morning talks before Church.
Thank you. He always had a way of making you feel welcomed in any environment he was in. We appreciate your kind words.
Dear Betty and family,
You have been in our prayers and we will continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers as you pass through this time of sorrow. We have way too many good memories to try to mention of Ken and all of you . May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Thank you so much for your words of support and encouragement. We certainly do have many fond memories. We are grateful for all the prayers.