Charles John Balzer

Charles (Chuck) John Balzer passed away peacefully at the age of 86 at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Hospital on March 16, 2025. He was born on September 20, 1938, at the Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, MN to Carl H. and Cecil R. (Clausen) Balzer. He had two siblings: Carol R. (late Donald) Owen and (late) Contance R. Balzer.

Chuck graduated from Mankato State University, now Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in education. He taught Social Studies and Driver’s Education at Franklin Junior High School in Brainerd, MN before returning to Mankato State to complete a Master of Science degree in Counseling. Chuck worked at Staples Area Vocational Technical Institute (now Central Lakes College) as a School Counselor from 1970- 1995.

During retirement Chuck worked part-time providing financial planning services and selling life insurance. He also enjoyed working at Maddens Resort and Grand View Lodge in their golf departments.

Chuck was proud of his country and devoted over 30 years of military service serving the United States of America in the: Army, Special Forces, Department of Defense and Minnesota Army National Guard. Some of his military accomplishments included the creation of the Employee and Family Assistance Program and Teen Youth Center at Camp Ripley and Minneapolis Armory, as well as supporting soldiers and their families through deployment. He also developed an addiction support program - a dry and drug free environment-to help soldiers thrive in a chemical free lifestyle. Chuck was the catalyst who engaged with local businesses who provided needed home goods and appliances to the military centers.

Chuck enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, bike riding, boating, spending time with family, golfing in MN and FL and participated in the Brainerd Toast Masters and Rotary Clubs. He devoted his life to the values of the Lutheran faith and became an example to youth and others by teaching confirmation and volunteering in numerous soup kitchens. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Brainerd, MN.

Chuck was united in marriage to Bonita Ann (Bonnie) Buss on June 1, 1963, at Carmel Presbyterian Church in Lake Crystal, MN. Left to cherish his memory are his two girls; Debra A. (Balzer) Plagemann (Robert) and Rebecca A. (Balzer) Boland (Sean); and three granddaughters, Sophia Ann Plagemann, Alexis Ann Bonita Boland and Adeline Ann Louise Boland; and sister, Carol Owen.

He is preceded in death by Carl H. Balzer (father); Cecil R. Balzer (mother); Contance R. Balzer (sister); and Bonita A. Balzer (wife).

A memorial service for Chuck will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2:30pm at Halvorson Taylor Life Events Center. Visitation will be held from 1:30-2:30 pm, one hour prior to the service. A private family interment will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery,

Little Falls, MN at a later date.

Memorials preferred to Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.