Jacob Balzer

Jacob Marion Balzer, 90, of Bainbridge, went to his eternal home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. Jacob was born in Beaver Ohio to the late George and Bessie Schrader Balzer. Jacob married Shirley Ann Marhoover in 1955, and she has been the love of his life for 61 years. Together they raised 3 Children and built a strong community of friends and family that are bonded together by the love that Jake demonstrated each day of his life. He was extremely proud of his 3 Children – Rebekah (Michael) Murray, Westerville, OH, John (Dorothy Krug) Balzer, Frankfort, and Janet (Mark) Fox of Westerville, OH; grandchildren Elle and Katie Murray, Nick (Gina), Paul, Scott and Sarah Balzer and Amber Fox (Alex) Sidebottom, Keleigh Fox (Daryl) Dotter and Alexandra Fox; great-grandchildren Jacob Sidebottom, Abram, Isaac and Leo Dotter. Jacob was predeceased by his parents George Adam Balzer and Bessie Schrader Balzer, his brother George Ezra Balzer and wife Doris of Washington Court House; sister Geneva "Kitty" Shivers and husband Leslie Pearce Shivers of Wilmington, OH. Jake attended Buckskin and Bainbridge Schools and later graduated from Twin High School in 1944. He was a US Army Veteran. He owned and operated livestock and grain farms in the area, all of his life except for the 2 years he was in the service, stationed in Germany. Jacob was involved in various activities such as a Webelos leader, Pack 129 Bourneville and as a 4-H Club Leader (Hog Leader) of Paint Valley Livestock Feeders 4-H Club. Jacob was a lifelong member of Bonds Chapel Church where he was a Sunday school teacher for 35 years and a First Elder for 20 years. Both he and Shirley have made their faith the bedrock of the lives. Even though Jake suffered with macular degeneration and was legally blind and lost a significant amount of his hearing as an Army 1 st gunner in the Heavy Mortar Company Jake always had a smile or a joke and was the Guidepost that you could use to set your moral compass. He was known as "Happy Pappy" to his grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, Bond's Chapel, 3710 Rainbow Trail, Waverly, OH, Pastor Rick Deckard officiating. Military graveside services, conducted by the Ross Co. Veterans Honor Guard, will follow in Twin Township Cemetery. Friends may call 2-6 pm Sunday at the Haller Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial donations may be made in Jake's name to Bond's Chapel, C/O Haller Funeral Home, 1661 Western Ave., Chillicothe, OH, 45601.
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