Josh Balzer

Joshua J. “Josh” Balzer, 36, of Lawrence and formerly of McPherson, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2011, at his home in Lawrence. He was a former chef at Murray’s Steak House in Minneapolis, MN and was a herpetologist, involved in the raising and breeding of reptiles and amphibians.

He was born October 18, 1974, in Hillsboro, Kansas, the son of Thomas A. and Janet K. (Alger) Balzer. He spent most of his younger years in McPherson and graduated from McPherson High School in 1993. He later went on to graduate from a culinary school.

Survivors include: his mother, Janet Balzer-Schroeder of McPherson; his father, Tom Balzer (Phyllis) of South Hutchinson; a brother, Chad Balzer (Heike) of Weinstadt, Germany; a nephew, Nick Balzer of Weinstadt, Germany; grandmothers, ?lo McKenzie and Loel Balzer, both of Hutchinson; step-sisters, Dianne Schroeder, Jessica Schroeder, and Mollie Schroeder-Powell; step-brothers, Matt Schroeder and Josh Fischer; and girlfriend, Corrina Weyland of Lawrence.

Josh was preceded in death by his step-father, Tim Schroeder.

A memorial service and celebration of Josh’s life will be held at 5:00 PM, Saturday, April 2, at the McPherson County Old Mill Park & Campground in Lindsborg. Attendees are asked to please bring a lawn chair. Visitation will be private.

Memorial donations may be given to the American Diabetes Association in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home. Personal condolences may be sent to the family via www.stockhamfamily.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Josh Balzer please visit our Sympathy Store.