Lawrence William Balzer, 82, of Owatonna, died Friday, February 10, 2012 at Owatonna Care Center. He was born February 2, 1930 in Bixby, Minnesota the son of Joseph and Frances (Skalicky) Balzer. His passion in life was being a dairy farmer. He married Arlene Johnson on August 24, 1948 at First Lutheran Church, Blooming Prairie. They raised a loving family of six children. His family grew as well as his farm, so he naturally built and remodeled to accommodate. When he wasn't farming or building he was fishing. Lawrence loved to fish, especially in northern Minnesota. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends around the card table. He loved to watch his grandchildren in their sporting activities. He also was a fan of All Star Wrestling. He and Arlene liked to play games at the casino and he especially liked spending time on the computer playing solitaire. Lawrence was an avid trapper and hunter in his younger days. He cherished his John Deere tractors too. He is survived by his wife Arlene Balzer of Owatonna; children, Linda (and Robert) Noble of Faribault, Larry (and Sue) Balzer of Blooming Prairie, David (and Sue) Balzer of Owatonna, Rick (and Cathy) Balzer of Owatonna, Doug (and Mickey) Balzer of Rochester, Jodi (and Doug) Starks of Owatonna; sisters, Martha Meixner of Owatonna, Alice Resler of Owatonna, Bernice Wesley of Hope, Virginia (and Eugene) Motl of Blooming Prairie; sister-in-law, Evelyn Balzer of Owatonna; 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Joseph Balzer. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with The Reverend Nancy Edwardson officiating. Interment will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Owatonna. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Moland Lutheran Church or donor''s choice. Visitation: 02/12/2012 14:00 02/12/2012 16:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service 02/13/2012 11:00