Jacob Baltzer-1992

Funeral services for Jacob A. Baltzer, 90, Napoleon, N.D., were held Feb. 13, 1992 at the United Methodist Church, Napoleon, with Pastor Steve Olson officiating. He died Feb. 9, 1992 at the Napoleon Care Center.

Mr. Baltzer was born to Andreas "Andrew" and Caroline (Strobel) Baltzer at a sod house in Kit Carson County, Col. on Oct. 14, 1901. He came to North Dakota with his family in October 1910 and moved to the Baltzer farmstead five miles north of Napoleon in March 1911. He attended a one-room school in Glendale Township in Logan County. He married Helen Wentz, the daughter of John and Eva (Trautman) Wentz on Nov. 24, 1926 in Logan County. They lived on the family farm until the fall of 1963, when they moved into Napoleon. He continued to farm until 1975, when the land was sold. Mrs. Baltzer died on May 23,1976.

Mr. Baltzer was an avid woodcarver, taking orders for miniature cowboy boots, old shoes and Minnesota loons. He also carved log chains with individual links from one unbroken piece of wood. He frequently participated in woodcarving shows and demonstrations. One of his first major projects was an authentic replica of a covered wagon that he completed in 1959 for Napoleon's Diamond Jubilee. He later donated it to the Logan County Historical Society in Napoleon, which has it on display.

Mr. Baltzer's survivors include one sister, Martha Kane, in Montana, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, John, Arthur and Albert; and two sisters, Emma Weber and Freda Brown.

Casket bearers were Michael Scherr, Michael Baltzer, Barry Wentz, Bradley Wentz, Randy Schumacher and Scott Wentz. Interment was made in the Napoleon City Cemetery, with Nickisch Funeral Home,Napoleon, in charge of arrangements.