Robert "Bob" G. Baltzell

Robert “Bob” G. Baltzell, age 87, of Kearney, died on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at his home in Kearney. Burial and graveside services will be on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at the Kearney Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the E-Free Church in Kearney, NE. Pastor John Fowler will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024 at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney. Memorials are suggested to Kearney E-Free Church. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements. Bob was born on September 17, 1936 in North Platte, NE to Robert W. and Bernice G. (Wilson) Baltzell. He grew up on a farm near Paxton, NE with his younger brother Clark. He attended country school until the 5th grade when the family moved to North Platte. Bob played drums in the North Platte High School Band and graduated in 1954. He then attended junior college in McCook, NE. He married Judy Panzer on April 29, 1956 in McCook, NE. He was hired as an insurance adjuster in 1957 and worked in several Kansas towns. He was later transferred to Columbus, NE and finally, in 1970, to Kearney, where he would eventually retire after 41 years of insurance adjusting. Bob and Judy faithfully attended Kearney E-Free Church for 54 years. Bob was a proud father to four children. His four granddaughters and three great-grandchildren brought joy to his life. Bob enjoyed golfing, family camping trips, hunting and the Orchard Fishing Group, which he organized and enjoyed for many years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and liked watching any Husker athletic event. Bob loved a good card game and continued playing weekly with his buddies until his death. Bob is survived by his wife, Judy; his brother, Clark Baltzell of Columbus, Ohio, his children Greg (Nancy) Baltzell of Kearney, Brenda (Bill) Roach of Elkhorn, Bruce Baltzell of Kearney, and Kelli Baltzell of Omaha; granddaughters, Kelsi (Dan) Miller, McKenzie Baltzell, Erika (Alex) Farrell, and Spencer Roach; three great-grandchildren, Cohen and Elliot Farrell and Witten Miller. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Tributes

Robert "Bob" G. Baltzell

September 17, 1936 - July 11, 2024