Paul Lee Balcer

Paul Lee Balcer, age 87, passed away in Denver, CO surrounded by his wife and family following a family event. He was born on June 3, 1935 to a blacksmith and his wife in the depths of the Great Depression. He attended Pierce schools and graduated in 1953, then headed for college at Wayne State, 30 miles from Pierce where he majored in music, the first Balcer or Havel to attend college. He received his BA in 1957 and his Masters from Colorado State College in 1963.

Following graduation in 1957, he taught band and vocal in Creighton, NE. Within a few months, he received his draft notice, but pleaded with the draft board for a deferment so that he could take his band to contest. The deferment was granted until June 25, when he dutifully reported to Fort Carson, CO for basic training. In December 1958, he was sent to Korea for 13 months. There, he auditioned for the 7th Division Army Band and made it, playing the tuba. His tour of duty ended in June of 1960.

He returned to Nebraska and was hired to teach music in Lyons where he met the love of his life, Dorcas Pederson, the kindergarten teacher. After one year in Lyons, he heard that Bellevue was adding a new band director for the Junior High. Perfect! He wouldn’t have to handle marching band or pep band. He was hired and stayed at Mission for 29 years until he retired in 1990, touching the lives of over 3,000 band students.

His family has many precious memories of him, but he’s dreadfully missed by them and all those who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Louie and Anna Balcer, and his sisters Erma Olson and Lou Ann Hansen.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorcas; brother Roger Balcer; daughters: Lorie Balcer, Julie (Tim) Regan, Ann (Sean) Ross and son, John (Paige) Balcer; his eight grandchildren: Elaine (Ben) Giebler, Joey (Kayla) Regan, Mary Ellen (Tommy) West, Ryan Regan, Luke Kramer, Paul Kramer, Quinn Balcer, Beck Balcer; great-grandson: Graham Giebler and step-grand-daughters Justice, Destany and Faith and families.

Visitation: Tuesday, June 28, 4:00-7:00 p.m., Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel

Funeral Service: Wednesday, June 29, 10:00 a.m., Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel

To view a live broadcast of the service, go to the website below and click the link on the Balcer obituary.

Interment:  Wednesday, June 29, 2:00 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery

Military Honors: United States Army National Guard Honor Guard

Memorials suggested to the Bellevue Schools Foundation or a charity of your choice.