Clarence "Rusty" Balz

Clarence "Rusty" L. Balz, 92, died Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Dycora Transitional Heath and Living Center, Abbotsford. He was born September 8, 1925 in town of Halsey, son of the late Arthur and Adeline (Hoge) Balz. Rusty served his country in the United States Army serving as Military police in Egypt during World War II, being discharged as a Corporal. He worked as a mechanic for the Athens Co-Op, drove school bus in Athens for 54 years, was a bouncer at both Schmidt's Ballroom and Prochnow's Ballroom and held several other jobs throughout the years. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Andrew J. Sutter Post No. 8527, Athens, American Legion Chapman-Belter Post No. 4, Athens, was a Boy Scout Leader and was on the board of trustees at the Athens Credit Union for many years. Hunting with his brothers and nephews and fishing on the Willow Flowage with relatives were things he enjoyed. He also enjoyed restoring old machinery especially John Deere tractors. He was president of the Athens Old Timers Band, loved listening to Polka music and playing tuba with various musicians. Survivors include his children, William (Deborah) Balz, Athens, Ruth (John) Weiler, Athens, Jean Balz, Athens, Terry (Cindy) Balz, Marathon, Fritz (Karen) Balz, Athens and Susan Miller, O'Fallon, IL; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-granddaughter; brother, Arlon (Darlene) Balz, Phillips; sister-in-law, Lois Balz, Athens, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harold. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 5, 2018 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. Rev. Teri Hanson will officiate. Full military honors will be conducted after the service by the VFW and American Legion, Athens. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be Sunday, February 4, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the Athens funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com