Balthasar "Balzar" Lanz
November 2nd, 1933 ~ March 31st, 2018


It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, with family by his side.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Irene. He will be lovingly remembered by his four daughters, Mandy, Linda (Doug Klinck), Peggy (Reno Fleck), Bernadine (Gerry) Laforce; 16 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren. Balzar is also survived by his brothers, Frank (Rose), Tony (Rose), Johnny (Phyllis), Ben (Penny) and Eddie (Geri); his sisters, Veronica (Tim), Francis (Pius), Mary (Jerry†) and Kathy (Russ); two sisters-in-law, Joan (Leo†) and Inez (Jim†); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his only son, Reg Lanz in 2011; his son-in-law, Barry; his parents, Erasmus and Katherine Lanz; his in-laws, Philip and Annie Stabler; one brother, Leo; and one sister, Maggie. Balzar was born and raised in Schuler, Alberta. He went on to marry Irene on June 22nd, 1957 at St. Edmund's (Christ the King) in Medicine Hat by Pastor Paul J. O'Bryne. They resided in Medicine Hat, where they raised their 5 children. Balzar worked at S.F. Scott and went on to retire from the Cypress View Foundation. Besides his love for his family, he also took pride in the many years serving as a goal judge with the Medicine Hat Tigers. His other interests were camping, fishing, boating and tinkering in his garage. In 2014 he went on a cruise of a lifetime to the Panama Canal with his wife. Balzar will be fondly remembered by the nicknames he came up with for his family and friends.

“Aren't you glad I brought you here?”