TIMES NEWS WITH PHOTO
Darrell H "Jerry" Baltzer, 94 of Twin Falls died peacefully at home August 24, 2010, surrounded by his family.
Darrell was born January 17, 1916 in Bethel, Missouri to Ola (Howerton) and Harry Baltzer. His Father died when he was 6 years old and his widowed mother was Left to raise him and a younger sister. At a very early age he began to feel the responsibilities of "man of the house" and took every job he could get, thereby acquiring the name "Jerry" after a comic strip character JERRY ON THE JOB. During High School he worked at a mortuary, learned to
barber and spent his summers working on a farm. There he learned work ethics that served him well all his life.
In 1935 Darrell graduated from High School in Brashear, Missouri, worked in a Service Station, and then came to Idaho in 1937 looking for work. On January 24, 1941, Darrell married Irene Lopez at St. Edward's Catholic Church, Twin Falls, and together they raised their five children--Walt, Don, Janet, Jean and Ruth.
During World War II Darrell enlisted in the NAVY and served his Country for two years in the South Pacific
aboard USS LST 446. After his discharge in 1946, he returned to Twin Falls and worked at various jobs--gunsmithing, salesman for cars, farm machinery, and auto parts.
On Jan. 1, 1966, after 10 years as office manager for Herrett Handgun Stocks, he fulfilled the dream of his life to own his own business end started a trophy award shop known as GEM STATE TROPHIES.
What started as a husband and wife venture became a flourishing business with several employees and a very rewarding experience.
Hunting and rockhounding were Jerry's favorite hobbies and, upon retirement in 1980, when he sold the business to his son Walt, he and Irene traveled in their motor home and spent several months in Arizona in the winter.
Darrell was a member of the Twin Falls Gun Club, Magic Valley Gem Club, Toastmasters and American Legion, Post 7.
He is survived by Irene, his wife of 69 years, one son Donald Baltzer of Coos Bay, Oregon; two daughters, Janet (Steve) Funk of Coeur d'alene; Jean (Robert, deceased) MacDonald of Castle Rock, Colorado; twelve grandchildren, twenty great- grandchildren; In-laws Loretta and Stan Fritzler of Jerome; "almost" family Dolly Kidd and Linda and Howard Wilcox as well as many nieces, nephews and very special friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Ruth and son Walt, his mother, and his stepfather Shorty Conder and his sister Faye Purdy.
A viewing for family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. Sunday Aug. 29, 2010 with Rosary services to follow at 7 P.M. at Reynold's Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Avenue East in Twin Falls. The funeral Mass will take place on Monday, August 30, 2010 at 10 A.M. in St. Edwards the Confessor Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to St. Edward's Building Fund or to a favorite Charity. Jerry was a "people" person--loved to visit, swap stories and jokes; so for him, we, the family, say thank you to all who came to see him.
Messages of condolence can be left at reynoldschapel.com.