Richard P. "Dick/Dickie" Baltzer, Jr.

Richard P. “Dick/Dickie” Baltzer, Jr., 68, of Aberdeen, passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at his residence.

A memorial service celebrating Dick’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, December 27, 2018, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1429 North Dakota Street, Aberdeen, with Pastor Liz Dieseth Pearl officiating.  

Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5thAvenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign Dick’s online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Richard Paul “Dick/Dickie” Baltzer, Jr. was born September 9, 1950, at Great Lakes Naval Air Station in Waukegan, IL to Richard and Bernadine (Langdale) Baltzer.  

Because his father was serving in the US Navy, Dick and his family traveled extensively throughout the United States.  He was a happy child and made friends wherever he went.  When Dick’s father retired from the military, the family settled in Madison, WI, where they had many relatives.  After several years in Madison, they moved to Coon Valley, WI and then to Viroqua, WI.  In 2004, Dick and his family relocated to Aberdeen, SD to be closer to his sister, Mary, and her family.  

While living with his parents in Aberdeen, Dick attended the Aspire Center, where he participated in numerous activities.  Dick was welcomed into an Aspire home when his parents were hospitalized in 2008. Both of Dick’s parents passed away in February of 2008 and his sister and nephew became his guardians.  Dick lived in three different Aspire locations before settling in the South Aldrich Street home, where he resided for the past five years. 

Dick enjoyed bowling, music, dancing, coloring, and many other activities at Aspire.  He especially loved participating in Special Olympics, which he did for over 20 years. 

Dick is survived by one sister, Mary K. Oleson; one nephew, Mike (Lindsay) Oleson; great-niece, Michaela Oleson; and great-nephews, Kristopher and Alec Oleson. 

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

There is no way to describe the level of support, care and love Dick received from the Aspire Staff.  Their concern for his welfare and the kindness shown to his family has been exceptional and his family is most grateful.

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