Leonard (Len) Baltzer, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away December 14, 2021, at United General Hospital in Sedro Woolley, WA.
Len was 84 years old. He was born to Eileen (Davis) and Charles Baltzer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Len was a retired Navy Petty Officer, Aerographers Mate and later became an Alcohol Counselor at the Navy’s Rehab Center. He loved his country and took great pride in his military career.
After retiring from the Navy, Len went back to college and graduated from National University with a BA in Business Administration.
Len was cofounder of several treatment center organizations. He designed and operated five of the nationally listed 100 Best Treatment programs in the United States and has been a consultant to over 31 treatment facilities throughout the United States and Spain.
Len celebrated 54 years of continuous sobriety and was part of the Skagit AA group, who he loved like family.
Sports have always played a big role in Len’s life. In high school he enjoyed and lettered in basketball, baseball, track, Olympic weightlifting and boxing. Golf was the sport he loved the most and he would play as often as he could rain or shine. Len also liked to work out at the gym. In his 70s he competed in powerlifting at the state level. He held the record in his age and weight class for over three years in the state of Washington at the age of 79.
Len is survived by his wife Bonnie; his children, Wendy (Larry) Speer, Debe (Dave) Russell, David (Jill) Baltzer, Brian (Fawn) Baltzer, Denise (Jon) Hagglund, Jenifer Baltzer; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy Smith; numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by mother, Eileen Davis; father, Charles Baltzer; stepfather, William Davis; brothers, Charles Baltzer Jr, Thomas Brown, William Davis Jr.
Len loved the Lord with his whole heart. His daily prayer was that his family and friends would give their hearts to Christ and follow Him and one day join him in eternity.
MATTHEW 22:37 “Jesus said Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
There will be a Memorial/Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 11:00, Christ the King Church in Burlington, 1000 Fountain St, Burlington, WA 98233. Share your memories of Leonard and sign the online guest register.
I was a Marine and served with Len at NAS Atsugi in 1961-62. He was an outstanding sailor. I respected him greatly and was saddened to learn of his passing. Rest your oars, sailor. RIP.