Michael Balzer, 58

Michael E. Balzer, 58 years, of Bryan, passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at Parkview Regional Hospital, Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Also known as Dozer, he was born May 29, 1955 in Bryan, Ohio, the son of Ralph E. and JoAnne (Butt) Balzer.  He was a 1973 graduate of Bryan High School.  He married Terri Sue Walters on November 16, 1973 in Ney, Ohio.  Mike was an Army Veteran of the Viet Nam Era, stationed in Germany until his discharge in 1977.  Mike was a salesman starting his career at Dietrich Industries in Hicksville.  He also worked at TGM in Bryan and B & J Medical in Kendallville.  He was a member of the Bryan Moose Lodge 1064, Bryan Eagles Aerie 1122 and the West Unity American Legion Post 669.  He was also a member of the Legion Riders.  Mike loved riding his motorcycle, fishing, pheasant hunting and camping.

Surviving is his wife, Terri of Bryan; three children, Chad Balzer of Bryan, Joshua Balzer of Bryan and Shannon (Erik) Sturm of Westland, Michigan; seven grandchildren; his mother, JoAnne Balzer of Bryan; one sister, Linda Balzer of Durham, North Carolina and one uncle, Paul Butt of Bryan.  He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph and one brother, Hal Balzer.

Visitation for Michael E. “Dozer” Balzer will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2013 and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 30, 2013 in the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street where funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home with Ted Mathes officiating.  Private interment will take place in West Franklin Cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association or to the Legion Riders.

Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com