Francis "Fran" Balzer

Francis Lee “Fran” Balzer passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026. He was born in Newton, Kansas, to Elmer and Gladys Balzer and lived most of his life in Newton, Kansas.

Fran met the love of his life, Jacquie Balzer, in high school. They were married on September 16, 1967, and remained inseparable until Jacquie’s passing on July 5, 2024. Fran was a devoted father to their three children, helping raise them to be loving, caring, and faithful individuals. He and Jacquie owned and operated Fran’s Carpet Gallery for 15yrs, fulfilling their dream of owning a business together. Fran later worked for Star Lumber and Horton’s Carpet.

For years, you could find Fran every week-day morning at Druber’s Donut Shop, sitting at the circle table enjoying rolls and coffee with the guys. He loved the conversations and cherished those lifelong friendships. He was a member of the Newton Rotary Club and in High School a member of the Railroaders.

Fran grew up helping his father fix and race cars, which sparked his lifelong love of NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt. Many weekends were spent in the garage, watching races while working on cars. He especially enjoyed restoring two different 1970 Cudas with Jason and David. He appreciated a beautifully mowed yard and a spotless car. If the kids came home from college with a dirty vehicle, they most likely left with it looking brand new, inside and out.

His greatest joy in life was his family. He loved trips to the lake, including Council Grove lake, Table Rock Lake, and later Michigan for family gatherings at Jason’s home, along with boating, waterskiing, and simply being together. Even with his bad back, he proudly showed the grandkids his waterskiing abilities up until the age of 70.

Fran treated his children’s spouses like his own and loved teasing all of them, there were no in-laws. He never missed any of the kid’s activities, growing up. And later he loved watching his grandchildren play sports including soccer, basketball, cheer, and football. For years, he could always be found on the sidelines cheering them on or whistling with his well-known whistle. He was incredibly proud of all his children and grandchildren and their many accomplishments.

Fran was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Gladys Balzer; his beloved wife, Jacquie Balzer; and his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Jim Soth.

He is survived by his three children, Jason (Stacy) Balzer, Stefanie (Steve) Roth, David (Amanda) Balzer; and his eight grandchildren, who were truly the joy of his life, Jeremy Balzer, Sydney Balzer, Tyler Roth, Jaden Roth, Paige Roth, Taylor Balzer, Mason Balzer, and Gavin Balzer.

A funeral service for Fran will be held at Koerner Heights Church in Newton, Kansas on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Friends may pay respects at a visitation the evening prior to the service, Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider plants or memorial donations to Koerner Heights Church. Donations may be left with Petersen Funeral Home.