The family of JEROME “JERRY” JOSEPH BALCER, 87, Corporal, United States Marine Corps has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany and attend services for their HERO from Holland and Lyons Mortuary in Ridgecrest, CA to Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Rosemead, CA on FRIDAY 30 AUGUST 2024. We are Honored to accept their request.
Jerome “Jerry” Balcer was born on May 11, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois and passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, at the age of 87 in Ridgecrest, CA.
Jerry served in the US Marine Corps during the latter half of the 1950’s, and was a dedicated soldier to his unit and to the Corps. During his service, he became an expert marksman, which translated into a lifelong hobby of gun collecting, hunting and targeting shooting. He also learned sewing and became his Unit’s Tailor. He served one term of service and would have likely stayed much longer, but his family needed him to come home and support his ailing Father. Selfless acts like this are something Jerry was known for among family and friends, which is why he was so loved by his children and Grandchildren.
He spent the rest of his life promoting and supporting our Warfighters in many ways and his patriotism was always on display. He lived a long and fulfilling life and was the very definition of being a lifelong Marine.
He spent 30 years as a Mail Carrier for the Postal Service in Pasadena, CA. His primary hobby was gold prospecting. He was an avid gun collector of all types, and his restored M1 Garand was the centerpiece of his collection.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Frances. He was survived by children Ed, Brian, Jessica, Christopher and their respective families and 6 Grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero
and his family from the mortuary in Ridgecrest to his place of rest at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Rosemead, CA. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 30 AUGUST 20240630 – STAGE – Holland and Lyons Mortuary, 216 S. Norma St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AJ8kUgegSgZH5fQP70645 – MISSION BRIEF 0655 – FLAG LINE - for dignified transfer of HERO from Mortuary to coach.
0700 – KSU – to first stop (top off) and bathroom at Jack in the Box/Chevron ExtraMile 3033 25th St W, Rosamond, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/q3oopEpw4kEoDf9460815 – ETA - at Rosamond Chevron.
0830 – KSU - to Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 966 Potrero Grande Dr. Rosemead, CA 91770https://maps.app.goo.gl/wpsHj7urfikw4Av6A
1030 – ETA – Cemetery in Rosemead.
1045 – QUICK BRIEF – for PGR meeting us there if needed.
1055 – FLAG LINE – for dignified transfer of HERO from coach to gravesite.
1100 – Graveside services and Military Honors
1130 – DISMISSED ROUTE: From Ridgecrest 14S to 5S to 60E to Exit 6B to Via Campo to Markland Dr. Turn Left to Potrero Grande Turn Right to Cemetery entrance on right.
*NOTE: – ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE.
Scoti Tomlinson CBScotiEO1
SoCal PGR Ride Captain/Mission Ops Team760 499-4950c
760-939-7462w
tomlinsonscot@yahoo.com
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