Elmer William Baltzer

CLERGY
Rev. Ron Shifley
MUSIC
Organist ~ Sharon Orth
Soloist ~ Linda Kronaizl
“I Can Only Imagine”
“The Lord’s Prayer”
Congregational Hymn
“How Great Thou Art”
HONORARY URNBEARERS
Elmer’s Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren
Elmer William Baltzer was born on Tuesday, December 28, 1915 in rural Hutchinson County, South Dakota to Wilhelm W. and Louisa (Mogck) Baltzer.  He attended country school through the 8th grade. He served in the US Army during World War II. Elmer was united in marriage to Lorraine Guthmiller on December 29, 1946 at Parker, South Dakota.
He was a life-long farmer and also worked for the ASCS Office in Hutchinson County. During his retirement years, he was the congenial host, head cashier and coffee pourer on Sundays for many years at the family-owned Sportsman’s Café.
In his leisure, he spent time refinishing antique furniture and woodworking. He enjoyed playing pinochle and indulged in the occasional “game of chance.” Elmer especially enjoyed following his grandchildren’s activities.
Elmer was a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ and in the past had been a trustee of the Kaylor Congregational Church. He was a member and past Commander of the Paul Grosshuesch VFW Post #2966 of Scotland and a member of the Scotland Loyal Order of Moose Lodge.
Elmer passed away at his home in Scotland on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at the age of 97 years, 1 month and 19 days.
Elmer will live on in the hearts of his wife of 66 years, Lorraine Baltzer of Scotland; four children: Dale (Lori) Baltzer of Tripp, Peggy (Ron) Zink of Sterling, Colorado, James Baltzer of Madison and Jerry Baltzer of Scotland; eight grandchildren: Jason (Kristi) Baltzer, Ryan Kronaizl, Anthony Baltzer, Nicole (Jerry) Caton, Andrea (Aaron) Legband, Ashley Baltzer, Cody Zink and Haley Zink; five great-grandchildren: Trevor, Ashton, Ayrianna, Brooke and Chloe; two step-great-grandchildren: A.J. and Dylan; a daughter-in-law, Linda Ulmer; sisters-in-law: Bertha Baltzer, Ruth Baltzer, and Marge Sorenson; brothers-in-law: Mervin (Betty) Guthmiller and Emmett Guthmiller; and numerous nieces and nephews.   
In addition to his parents, Wilhelm and Louisa Baltzer, he was preceded in death by his son, Terry Baltzer, and his daughter, Kathy (Baltzer) Kronaizl; three brothers: Eugene (Elda) Baltzer, Gilbert Baltzer, and Rueben Baltzer; a sister, Olivia (Albert) Hoff; and in-laws: Irene (Mike) Imig, Marguerite Guthmiller; LaVerne (Marge) Guthmiller, Heins Heinsohn and Lorrel Sorenson.