Charles Baltzer

Charles Adwood Baltzer, 99, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at Southminster in Charlotte, NC. A proud member of what has rightly become known as The Greatest Generation, he came of age during the Great Depression, fought bravely in World War II, and returned home to build a life rooted in love, purpose, and quiet dignity.

Born on July 1, 1926, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Mr. Baltzer left home at the age of 18 to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served with distinction in the 94th Infantry Division in Germany, earning several military honors, including the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Following his military service, Mr. Baltzer pursued his education at Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania), where he earned a business degree. He later obtained a Master of Education degree from Penn State University.

It was at ISTC where he met the love of his life, Margaret Johnston, through a fraternity brother. Charles and Margaret were married on August 29, 1953, and shared 59 devoted years together until her passing in 2012.

In their later years, Mr. Baltzer displayed a deep devotion to Margaret, visiting her daily at the Stewart Health Center at the Cypress of Charlotte. He would drive from their home in Ballantyne each afternoon to sit by her side and share dinner at their own table. Though she could no longer speak, they communicated everything that mattered. Mr. Baltzer often said those final years together—and the life they built—were the highlight of his life.

Mr. Baltzer began his professional career as an accounting supervisor with Celanese Corporation in Narrows, Virginia, in 1958. He transferred to Charlotte in 1961, where he remained until his retirement in 1988 as Manager of Accounting Services. Margaret also had a long career with what became Hoechst Celanese, retiring in 1996.

The Baltzers' life in Charlotte was filled with simple pleasures: trips to the beach and the theater, travel, admiring the azaleas Margaret carefully tended, and time spent in their homes in Mountainbrook and later Ballantyne. Mr. Baltzer also enjoyed golf and, in his earlier years, trout fishing in the remote streams of Pennsylvania.

They were long-time members of Myers Park United Methodist Church, where they faithfully attended the early Holy Communion service. Mr. Baltzer was also a proud Mason, initiated into Johnstown Lodge No. 538 on May 11, 1950.

Mr. Baltzer is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Forest Paul and Amelia Fondelier Baltzer, as well as seven sisters and two brothers.

Services celebrating Mr. Baltzer's life will be held in Charlotte, NC, and at 2:00 Friday at John Henderson Co. Funeral Home 215 Central Ave., Johnstown, PA. He will be laid to rest at Grandview Cemetery in Johnstown. www.hendersonfuneralhome.com

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