William M. Baltzell, Sr., age 87, of W. Crestview Drive, died at 1:40 AM, Wednesday, September 16, 2009, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born on March 20, 1922 to the late William T. and Clara A. (McCulloh) Baltzell in Springfield, Ohio. On August 18, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana, he married Ruth M. Borer and she died on September 17, 1985.
Survivors include four sons, William (Sharon) Baltzell of Riverview, Michigan, Michael (Mary) Baltzell of Tiffin, Jeffrey (Vicky) Baltzell of Fremont, and Thomas (Peggy) Baltzell of Smiths, Alabama; three daughters, Lorrie Harvey, Christine Baltzell and Mary Jane (Craig) Zimmerman all of Tiffin; a step-sister, Jean (Jack) Snyder of Tiffin; 18 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth of 42 years; an infant son, David J. Baltzell, a sister, Ramona Kirkpatrick; and a special friend Ruth Ann LeSavage.
Bill was a 1940 graduate of Columbian High School. He had been employed at Lee’s Floor Covering for 30 years and then was self-employed for the next 17 years. He served the Tiffin community as the 4th Ward City Councilman from 1950 – 1953.
Bill was a United States Navy WWII veteran serving in the Atlantic for three years from 1942-1945, and then he came home to join the United States Army National Guard. He was a member of the Smith’s Alabama V.F.W. Post #5228, a member of the Knights of Columbus council #608 where he was the best bowler in his shoes, and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was hard-working, loved to fish and he never met a deck of cards or a casino he didn’t like. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends may call from 2-8 PM, today, Thursday, September 17, 2009 at Traunero Funeral Home, 214 South Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio, 44883, 419-447-3113. A wake service will be at 2 PM at the funeral home today.
Prayers will be said at 9:30 AM, Friday, September 18, 2009 at the funeral home. The funeral Mass will be at 10 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with the Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. The Rosary will be recited 20 minutes prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will follow immediately in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with the United Veteran’s Council of Seneca County performing military rites at the gravesite.
Contributions may be made to Calvert Catholic Schools Vision 2010 or to Community Hospice Care in care of Traunero Funeral Home.