Janis Ilene Balzer

Janis Ilene Balzer
Of Omaha, Nebraska

Janis Balzer (nee Campbell) passed away peacefully on October 17th, 2017 at UNMC in Omaha, NE following a courageous battle with COPD. She was 72.

Janis was born on January 13, 1946 in Dubuque, IA to her beloved parents, Robert and Eleanor (Hines) Campbell. A lifelong student and voracious reader, Janis studied many subjects both in and out of university, taking a special interest in genetics, psychology, history, and anthropology. At the deepest core of her being, Janis was a mother. She loved her children with an unmatched fervency and always made it her priority to foster their innate passions and talents. She believed in allowing children to grow into adults without fear of shame or ridicule, and upheld this belief with her children during even the most trying of times. She was a staunch defender of the underdogs and innocent beings of the world, and had many pets over the years (which she spoiled rotten). During her time on earth, Janis worked tirelessly to reduce the suffering of everyone she knew, and was a source of comfort and understanding for more people than can be named.

She is survived by Gerald Balzer, her children Robert Harvey, Ronda Harvey, Raynee Harvey, Rustin Harvey, and Chelsea Balzer, as well as grandchildren Logan and Lauren Graeff, sisters Judy German and Lynn Koester, as well as countless friends and family members whose lives were touched by her profound kindness and infinite curiosity.

The family will greet friends from 12 to 2 p.m., Monday, October 23, 2017 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Interment will follow at 2:30 pm at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3601 East Court Avenue, Des Moines.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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