Raymond E. Balzer
Raymond Ellison Balzer, 83 years old, of Jonesborough, TN, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. Raymond was born the son of Edwin Balzer and Mary Jane (Anger) Balzer on Sept. 11, 1942 in Gladwin, MI.
Raymond graduated from Gladwin High School in 1960 and joined the Army. He was honorably discharged in 1962 and returned home to the family farm. Like his father, he became an auctioneer and farmer. He held a variety of auction sales from household, antique, farm machinery, and FHA. He devoted many years to the kids of the Gladwin 4H and auctioneered for the annual 4H livestock sale during fair week. In the 1980’s he took over the Standish Livestock Auction and started the Gladwin Auto Auction.
Ray was an example of hard work and success. Throughout the years, he remodeled and built several homes and barns for his family. He always had a project going and several to follow. In 1987, he joined the Michigan Trail Riders Association, where he served on the board of directors, was president, and trail boss for several years. His work was instrumental in developing the North Spur Trail system and several camps. He received his 50th shore to shore trail crossing in 2018 and continued to cross there after. The fellow trail riders adored him as he was always there to lend a helping hand.
In 1990, he started raising Missouri Fox Trotter horses, and throughout the years raised over 70 foals. He was also an avid hunter, and in his younger years, raced motorcycles. He was a Master Mason and longtime member of Gladwin 397 Masonic Lodge.
Ray was intelligent, business minded, kind, and fun. His greatest passion was trail riding. He was a legend in his own right. We will forever miss his huge smile and sparkling eyes.
Surviving Raymond are his wife of 31 years, Kathryn Balzer of Jonesborough, TN; two sons, Jeffery Balzer and wife Cyndee of Gladwin, and Justin Parnicky and wife Nickol of Jonesborough, TN; three grandchildren, Celeste, Colton, and Carlee; five great-grandchildren, Jayvin, Braelynn, Bryssa, Gentry, and Charlotte; one greatgreat grandchild, Madelyn; one sister, Dorothy Miller; three brothers, Robert Balzer, Marvin Balzer, and Ted Balzer; and many nieces and nephews.
Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; daughter, Susan; parents; two sisters, Betty McColley and Connie Arthur; two brother in-laws, Richard McColley and Richard Arthur; and grandson, Michael Smith.
Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at 12 p.m. at Sage Township Hall, 1831 Pratt Lake Rd, Gladwin, MI.
A time of gathering will take place prior at 11 a.m. until time of service. Luncheon will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michigan Trail Riders Assoc., PO Box 184, Nashville, MI 49073, or a random act of kindness for someone in need.