Obituary of George P. Balz

BALZ Dr. George P. Balz, beloved husband of 36 years to Muriel Fischer Balz, preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Schwarz; his parents, Dorothy and Emily Balz; and his two sisters. He was survived by his two step-sons, Ken and Wayne Fischer; 3 granddaughters; 2 nieces and one great-nephew. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois, College of Medicine, served a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rheumatology. He practiced in Cincinnati for 50 years. He served in the Army during WWII, in the Rainbow Division. He was awarded the Bronze Medal for his valor in saving the life of a comrade. At the urging of his wife, Muriel, after his retirement he wrote a book based on the many letters he wrote home during the war, entitled View from the Bottom. Dr. Balz had a great love of music, with a CD collection numbering over 600. He also loved to travel and did so extensively with both Muriel and Virginia. He spent many summers at the family cottage on Seneca Lake. After marriage to Muriel and his retirement, they spent many months at their condo in Bonita Springs, FL. Dr. Balz also enjoyed serving on several local boards, including serving as the President of the Zoo Board, the Safari Club, and the Arthritis Foundation. He was an active board member of the Travel Club of Cincinnati, the University Club and Stumps Boat Club. He volunteered for 15 years; 2 days a week at the Museum Center, one day a week as the Steamboat Captain and one day a week as a surveyor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to The Arthritis Foundation of Cincinnati, 7124 Miami Ave. (45243) or Hospice of Cincinnati, PO Box 633597 (45263-3597).