Loel Wanita (Smith) Balzer, 99, of Hutchinson, died December 24, 2024 at Collier Assisted Living. She was born November 18, 1925 in Grace Hospital, Hutchinson, KS, to Wade Nelson and Mabelle Wanita (Glass) Smith.

Raised on a dairy farm southwest of Hutchinson, Loel's elementary school years were enjoyed within walking distance of her one-room school house. Music was always a priority in her family. Except for the consequences of December 7, 1941, her years at Partridge High School were happy and very active. Loel graduated in May of 1943.

On February 6, 1944, Loel and Carl Balzer were married by Dr. Frank Richard, the pastor who baptized her at age 10. On February 10, 1944, Carl left for his preinduction to the army.

After her youngest son graduated from high school, Loel began her career as an editor of weekly newspaper, The Inman Review, which she enjoyed for 14 years before retiring and moving to Hutchinson.

Loel is survived by: three sons who blessed their marriage, Steven Lowell of Arvada, Colorado, Thomas Alan of South Hutchinson, Max Lynn (Lea) of Port Richey, Florida; grandchildren, Chadwick Balzer of Germany, Stacey (Tim) Keeton of Windsor, Colorado, Jessica Balzer of Port Richey, Florida; great-grandchildren, Nick Balzer of Germany, Chaney Cochran of Louisville, Kentucky, Carly Cochran of San Deigo, California, Steven Wiswell of Sterling, Colorado; great-grandchildren, Heidi, Holly and Mayson Wiswell of Sterling, Colorado; brother, Homer (Esther) Smith of Hutchinson; sister, Donna Waddle of Topeka; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; beloved husband, Carl Balzer; grandson, Joshua John Balzer; brother, Merlin and wife Virgie Smith; sister, Beth Ellen and husband Bill Hutchinson; daughters-in-law, Jeanette Balzer and Phyllis Balzer.

Cremation has taken place.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. January 4, 2025, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th Ave. Hutchinson, with Pastor Lisa Simmelink officiating. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may sign her book Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

https://www.youtube.com/@emanuellutheranchurchhutch5157/streams Click here to view the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Emanuel Lutheran Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main., Hutchinson, KS 67501.