David C. Balzer

Camp Lewis, Washington
  • Military specialty: Infantry
  • Awards: Unknown

b. 17 Nov 1889; d. Abt. 1959. David Carl Balzer was born in Midway Twp., Cottonwood Co., MN to Frank and Agatha (Hiebert) Balzer.  He attended schools in the Mt. Lake area and graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, MN .  He was a member of the Bethel Mennonite church in Mt. Lake.

On 27 May, 1918,  David joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to Co. 26, 166th Depot Brigade, at Camp Lewis, WA. Due to his Mennonite religion, David enlisted as a Conscientious Objector (CO) and stayed at Camp Lewis for the duration of his service. On 5 Jul 1918, Pvt. Balzer was transferred to Headquarters Co, 166th Depot Brigade. He  was honorably discharged on 1 Feb 1919 at Camp Dodge, IA.

After his discharge, David returned to Mt. Lake and continued working with his father in the lumber business until he owned the business himself.  On 12 Aug 1922, he married  Ruth G. Moore from Wabasha, MN; they had one son and one daughter.

At the age of 70, David passed away at the  Mt. Lake Bethel Hospital due to cancer.  He is buried at the Mt. Lake Cemetery.

  • Obituary: Yes