Olson Burke-Sullivan Funeral And Cremation Center

Obituary Detail

January 23, 1943 December 16, 2017
January 23, 1943 -- December 16, 2017

Robert James Balmer, Age:74

Robert James Balmer, 74 of Chicago, IL beloved husband of 29 years to Cynthia (nee Forler) Balmer passed away Saturday, December 16, 2017. Born in Jefferson City, MO on January 23,1943, son of the late Chester D. and Virginia (nee Ray) Balmer, he was raised in Jefferson City, was a graduate of Jefferson City High School, a graduate of Missouri State University and sang with the University Singers, was a graduate of the R.O.T.C. and served in the Army Reserves over 22 years retiring a Lt. Co.

 

He had a long career in insurance with Aetna / Travelers as a Fidelity Surety Claim Consultant. He also sang in the Travelers Chorale.

 

He was a devoted member of the West Minster Presbyterian Church, humbly giving of his time and talents as well as joyfully singing in the choir.

 

Most of all Bob loved to travel. For three years his wife, Cynthia, and he set off to tour the USA living in their travel trailer full time. Visiting National Parks and State landmarks from the East Coast to the West Coast. His travels ended in Southern California when he had a hospitalization for heart related illness and moved to Illinois to be near his family.

Besides his wife, Cynthia, he leaves a daughter, Wendy Argent and her husband Robert of Chicago; a son, Michael, and his wife Robin of West Chicago; six grandchildren; Alyssa and Taryn Argent, Steven, Allison, Jessica and Rachael Balmer; a sister-in-law, Cate Balmer of Pittsburgh, two brother-in-laws, Martin Forler and his wife Margaret, of East Hartland, Scott Forler of Hartford, three sister-in-laws, Sandra Forler of Granby, Heidi Forler-Dinsmore and her husband, Michael of Norfolk, Linda Forler of North Granby and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, William F. Balmer.

 

A Celebration of Life was held in Chicago in January.   A Memorial Service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Connecticut, on Friday, April 6, 2018 at 11 am.  Bob’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Westminster Presbyterian, 2080 Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 06107