Richard Balzer

Richard "Dick" Wayne Balzer, our beloved father, brother, grandfather, and uncle entered eternal life at the age of 75 on November 17th, 2025. He was born in Bismarck on March 15th, 1950, to Chris and Evangeline (Longmuir) Balzer. The fourth of seven children, he attended St. Mary's Grade School, St. Mary's High School, and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1968. During high school, he played American Legion Baseball and was on the track and field team. After high school, Richard entered the military with a tour of duty in Vietnam.

Following military service, he returned and worked as a deputy sheriff for Burleigh County (for a short time) and a police officer for the Bismarck Police Department. After retiring from the Bismarck Police Department, he was a supervisor at Thermal Line Windows in Mandan and later worked at Hedahl’s in Bismarck.

He found pleasure in the outdoors, especially camping, hunting, fishing, and later, golf.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Evangeline (Longmuir) Balzer, son Scott Balzer, granddaughter Emily Pfannsmith, sisters Bev (Dan) Schaner, Karen (Jim) Ruddy, Corie Atwood, brother, Skip Balzer, son-in-law Kevin Pfannsmith.

Richard is survived by his son, Robert (Jill) Balzer, daughters Lisa Pfannsmith, Tammy (Scott) Hutchinson, Traci Balzer, sister Mary Morgan, brother Chris (Barb) Balzer, sister-in-law Elaine Balzer, brother-in-law Eric Atwood, all from Bismarck. Richard is also survived by many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A special thank you to Richard’s dear sister and niece, Mary Morgan and daughter, Erin Wagar for bringing light and joy into his life, making sure he could continue to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Richard deeply appreciated the special care, companionship and attention given to him throughout his life, especially his last year. Richard was very blessed to have them in his life.

A memorial will be planned for a future date.