Gerald Balzer

Gerald Henry Balzer, June 10th 1926 to June 3rd 1924 passed away at Mercy Hospital Springfield Missouri during surgery at age 97.

Gerald had a bachelor's of science in Aeronautical Engineering from Northrop Institute of Technology. His passion of Aviation continued throughout his entire life as a photographer, author and speaker of many Aviation and Space Programs.

He was a member of the American Aviation Historical Society for many decades.

Gerald Balzer was a veteran, having enlisted in the Army at age 17 in 1943 at Williams Air Force base. His goal was to be a fighter pilot and he was training as a aerial gunner unfortunately he was 6 feet tall. Too tall for that. He graduated in 1946 with enough points to have an honorable discharge.

He was in parts of operation which was with the switchboard: "philippine moderation program training maintenance signal core", and other special programs. My father said he once golfed with Jack Northrop..... and lost.

He was married and widowed twice he had 5 children his, hers and theirs. He is survived by one daughter and 1 grandson.

Aside from Aviation my dad's favorite things were Futbol Spanish soccer. Golf "when it was good" he said. Kim Chi and Vita pickled herring on Fridays.

Most important in my father's life were the core beliefs of the Catholic faith.

A Graveside Service with Full Military Honors will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in Resurrection Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri with Father Fergus Monaghan officiating.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home of Springfield, Missouri.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com