Kirk Balzer

Kirk H. Balzer, 57, of Galloway, Ohio, passed away on Aug. 28, 2022, at Grant Medical Center surrounded by family. Kirk is survived by his mother and father, Mary Lynn and Howard Balzer; sisters Kim (Tom) Gutheil and Kelly (Tom) Looby; uncle, Mike (Jan) Dewey; nieces, Brittany (Jason) Sekinger and Allyson, Jackie, and Sydney Looby; nephew, Brandon (Sara) Gutheil; grandnephews, Jaxson, Bryson, and Clayton Sekinger; grandniece, Carmen Gutheil; and close friend, "brother from another mother," Jerry (Tiffany) Worthington.

A loving son, brother, uncle, and friend, Kirk will be deeply missed by the many people who loved and cared for him throughout his life. He was a graduate of Westland High School and Columbus State Community College. As an avid sports fan, he enjoyed (and sometimes loathed) watching OSU and the Miami Dolphins play football, in addition to being a Nascar and golf fan.

Kirk may have had a gruff demeanor, but he wasn't able to fool those who were lucky enough to know him. Lovingly referred to as "Uncle Kirky" by his many (grand)nephews and nieces (often to Kirk's disdain), he was the embodiment of a fun uncle. If you heard laughter at family gatherings, it was likely in response to one of his stories. If you brought a dog around Kirk, you could bet they would be at his hip the entire night. Kids were no different, and would stick to him like glue. No matter what he wanted others to believe, he couldn't hide that he was truly a caring softie at heart. Though often referred to as a "man of few words," the words he did speak never failed to bring laughter and joy.

Friends may call at the Columbia Heights United Methodist Church 775 Galloway Rd, Galloway, OH 43119 on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 11:00am until time of funeral service at 1:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the DeGregorio Family Foundation to fund gastric and esophageal cancer research and Columbia Heights United Methodist Church. In all honesty though, Kirk would be just as happy if you cracked open a bottle of Bud Light or poured a shot of Crown Royal in his honor! Arrangements have been entrusted to the NEWCOMER SOUTHWEST CHAPEL 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123. The family would also like to thank Brendan Hurst and OhioHealth for all of their love, care, and support through a very difficult time.