Lois Balz

Lois A. Balz, 91, of Athens, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

She was bom on April 6,1934, in the town of Hamburg, to the late Denver and Edna (Schnelle) Ziegel. On August 30, 1952, she married Harold Balz at Salem Lutheran Church, town of Hamburg. Lois enjoyed going for ‘long’ drives with Harold who preceded her in death on December 17, 2017.

Lois worked at Deedon’s dry goods store and Athens Coop before becoming a familiar and friendly face at Athens Credit Union for many years. Her spirit of service extended beyond her job; she was an active volunteer for numerous church happenings, including helping children learn to read. Lois was known for her generosity, often providing transportation for neighbors and friends to appointments and weekly luncheons. Later in life, she enjoyed those very same luncheons, now as Carol’s passenger.

She was an avid reader, mastered the art of word searches, and enjoyed handembroidering dish towels to share with others. She found joy in baking cookies, had a secret “recipe” for Oreos, and was well known for her delicious fruit cakes at the church holiday fundraiser.

Lois cherished her time with family and friends, and nothing brought her more joy than visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered as Mom, Auntie Lois, Grandma and Great Grandma.

Lois is survived by her devoted children: Curtis Balz, Ginger (Ronald Sr.) Weller, Fay (Henry Jr.) Wozniak and Kristi (Jerry) Redmann; her grandchildren: Chad (Paola) Balz, Shawn (Kim) Balz, Troy Wozniak, Mitchell Wozniak, Amber (Jacob) Maahs and Talena (Andy) Bliven; her great-grandchildren: Madelyn and Nora Balz, Ian Wozniak, Hayden and Owen Maahs and Rhona, Declan, and Maeve Bliven; her sister, Maxine (Ray) Handrick; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Besides her parents and husband, Harold, she was preceded in death by her sister, Darlene “Pinky” Balz, and brothers: Dennis “Bucky” and Glenwood Ziegel.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, with the Reverend Mark Schwarz presiding. A visitation will precede the service from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at the Athens Lutheran Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the compassionate staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Pride TLC who provided care for Lois.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

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