Bertha Balzer

Bertha Martha Balzer, 91, of New Buffalo, died at her daughter’s home on Tues., Aug. 14, 2012. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo.Bertha was born on May 6, 1921 in New Buffalo Township, MI, to Frederick and Alma (Gehner) Steinborn. On April 5, 1958 in Saginaw, MI she married Alfred Balzer. He preceded her in death on March 9, 1989. Bertha had been a waitress for many years at Redamak’s. She was also a life member of the New Buffalo American Legion Auxiliary, a former member of the Moose Lodge-980 of Michigan City, and a former member of the Rebecca Lodge.Bertha is survived by her children, Donald Balzer of New Buffalo, Betty (Julian) Becker of Three Oaks, Connie (Paul) Koth of Sawyer and Jan (Tom) Sexton of New Buffalo; ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law Bonita Kliss of Three Oaks. Preceding her in death are her parents-Frederick and Alma, her husband-Alfred, a son-Roy ‘Butch’ Schwark, and seven brothers and sisters.A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sat., Aug. 25, 12noon, at Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI. Family will receive friends for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service from 11:00am-12noon. Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo will be Bertha’s final resting place. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Hospice or to the River Valley Senior Center. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence for the family may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com