It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Joseph Baltzer, a beloved
husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, who left us on February 11,
2025, at the age of 83 in McKinney, Texas. John was born on July 9, 1941, in Halifax, Nova
Scotia, to Vernon and Margaret Baltzer, who preceded him in death. After his early childhood in
Canada, the family moved to Boston in 1950.
He proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Air Force. After living in
multiple locations, he ended his military career and moved his young family to Boston, where he
embarked on a distinguished career with AT&T. The family later moved to London, Ontario, to
be near relatives while he continued his career with AT&T. He earned his first bachelor’s degree
in Education from the University of Western Ontario while also serving as a firefighter and Fire
Safety Engineer. John's journey through life was a testament to his love for family, dedication to
his career, and passion for learning and adventure.
In the summer of 1984, John and his children moved from Canada to Texas. While teaching
high school and college electronics, he earned a second bachelor’s degree and a master’s
degree with honors from the University of North Texas. He later retired as the Dean of
Engineering Technology at Collin College.
Shortly after moving to Texas, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Anderson Perez. John
married Mary Ann in 1986 at Plymouth Park Methodist Church in Irving, TX. Their 38 years of
marriage were filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures, creating a partnership that
flourished for over 40 years.
John had a deep curiosity for the world, with a wide range of interests that reflected his
adventurous spirit and love of learning. He was an avid reader with a remarkable knowledge of
history, geography, mathematics, and science. His love for travelling and adventure extended to
the great outdoors. He enjoyed sailing, photography, biking, operating his remote control planes
and boats and exploring new places. A longtime ham radio enthusiast, John loved connecting
with others through this unique hobby. He had especially fond memories of spending time on the
deck of their Rico, Colorado house.
Family was at the heart of John's existence. He was a devoted grandfather, always present at
his grandchildren’s events, cheering them on with pride and love. His deep love for his family
was evident to all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann Baltzer; his children Lee Baltzer, Lynne Baltzer, and
Steve Baltzer; his stepdaughters Alicia Komarek and her husband Dale, and Julie Ross and her
husband Mark; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Kendra, her husband Alex, Steven,
Johnny, Emma, Tyler, his wife Hannah, Avery, Drew, his wife Kristy, Jake, Olivia, and Katherine
as well as four great grandchildren, Alexis, Sadie, Amelia, and Ailey. He also leaves behind his
brother Richard Baltzer and his niece and nephews.
John was a man of many characteristics, known for his keen sense of humor and wit that
brought joy to those around him. His “Poppa hair-do” was legendary, a testament to his playful
spirit. He possessed unmatched patience and a problem-solving mind, capable of tackling any
challenge that came his way. Friends and family often marveled at his logical thinking and
common sense. If John couldn't fix something, they would say, "then nobody can!" because he
was wicked smart!
He was a member of the First Christian Church in McKinney, where he was involved in various
community service initiatives like Family Promise, a program supporting homeless families.
John also volunteered at the Rico, Colorado History museum. His commitment to helping others
reflected his generous heart and compassionate nature.
A funeral service to honor John’s remarkable life will be held on March 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM at
the First Christian Church in McKinney, Texas. The interment with full military honors will be
Monday, March 3, at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made
to PBS or Family Promise of Collin County in John's memory.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff members at Fresenius Dialysis and
Anchor of Hope Hospice for their compassionate care during John's time of need.
As we bid farewell to John Joseph Baltzer, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love,
laughter, and countless memories that will forever resonate in the hearts of those he touched.
He may be gone, but his legacy of kindness, wisdom, and devotion to family will continue to
inspire all who knew him.