Richard Balzer

Farmer and rancher Richard E. Balzer, 85, who moved from Hillsboro to Halstead in 1965, died Monday at Via Christi-St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.

A committal service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Haven of Rest Cemetery, Hillsboro. A celebration of life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, Halstead. Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Kaufman Funeral Home, 418 Chestnut St., Halstead.

Born May 3, 1930, in Newton to Frank and Elizabeth (Richert) Balzer, he was a deacon and trustee of the church.

A daughter, Annette Green, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, the former Marilyn F. Smith, whom he wed July 12, 1955; a son, Randy, of Halstead; sisters Donna Hildebrand of Firestone, Colorado, and Carolee Neufeld of South Hutchinson; and five grandchildren.

Memorials are being established with Mennonite Disaster Services and Mennonite Central Committee.