"It has pleased Almighty God to call unto Himself" - Glenn Peter Baltzell. With those words, Pastor R.C. Muhly often announced the passing of loved ones from the altar at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. And I hear his voice in my head now as I type this and let you know that my dad, Glenn, has heard God's call and answered it this morning, Aug. 12, 2015. We were together at Appleton Medical Center and in the loving care of a wonderful staff.

Glenn was born in Grand Forks, N.D., on Feb. 15, 1924, the son of Oscar and Minnie (Bagstad) Baltzell. He was raised in Bemidji, Minn. During World War II, he proudly served in the U.S. Army, Pacific Theatre. After his discharge, he returned to Bemidji to court and marry Lilia Lue Hunt. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 1946, and celebrated 64 years of marriage before Lilia's passing in July 2011.

Glenn was the best auto mechanic in North Idaho, residing in Coeur d'Alene for 50 years. He was a faithful member of Christ the King Lutheran Church. A more honest, gentle man could not be found. He had a sense of humor that often caught people off guard. His mechanic buddy, Dale Schoenard, liked to pull little jokes on him from time to time. Their friendship has lasted long past their retirement. In the past few years, Dale's phone calls have brought smiles and laughter to Dad.

In 2009, due to health issues, Glenn and Lilia relocated to Appleton, Wis., to reside with their daughter. His nephew in Spokane, Wash., Dennis Baltzell, made Dad's weekends get off to a good start with a phone call and questions about World War II, family history, or just teasing the new Packer fan about an upcoming Seahawks game. Dad loved it and looked forward to it. Thank you, Dennis, for that loving commitment.

Survivors include: daughter Gaynette (Jim) Brooks of Appleton; son Gary (Debbie) Baltzell of Spokane; daughter-in-law Kim (Dale) Baltzell of Spokane; grandchildren: Amy Rather, Emileigh Brooks, Lori Holmes, Angela Nordhus, Adam Baltzell, Gary Baltzell, Marshall Baltzell and Jason Baltzell; great-grandchildren: Nathan, Lauryn, Leon, Jacob, Samuel, Benjamin, Rebecca, Kendall, Sutton, Kahlia, Sawyer and Kenzi; and many nieces and nephews in Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his loving son, Dale; sister Virginia (Ardie) Holt; brothers and his sisters-in-law: James (Wanda), Howard (Dorothy Hunt), Gale (Vivian Hunt) and John (Alma); his parents; and his wife's brothers and sisters.

Per his wishes, no services will be held. Go in Peace, Dad. Love and miss you... Gaye.

The family wishes to express its thanks to the caring staff at Rennes Health and Rehab for the past six months; to the friendly staff and knowledgeable doctors, notably Dr. Bar Lev and Dr. Yao, at Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology; and to the efficient, compassionate staff in the ER at AMC, and the nurses and staff who assisted in Glenn's care during his short time on the sixth floor at AMC. Your care and concern were a blessing.

Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton, WI 54911, (920) 733-5435, is in charge of arrangements.