Wendi Merbitz-Balda,
42 of Valparaiso, formerly of Roeland Park, KS, passed away peacefully with
her family and friends by her side on Monday, November 6, 2017, after a
courageous eight year battle against breast cancer.
She was born
January 26, 1975, in Los Angeles, CA, to Richard Merbitz and Teresa (Keyes)
Heil.
Wendi had a happy
childhood growing up in the mountains of Idyllwild, California, where she
first accepted the Lord and cultivated her love of things like dance and the
outdoors. While Wendi had many addresses, those that knew her know that her
home was always at the beach. Moving to Kansas City as a teenager, Wendi
continued her lifelong habit of 'collecting friends' making and inspiring
many people along the way. A highly disciplined student, Wendi graduated
with honors from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO, with a Master's
degree in Physical Therapy. She was able to use her spiritual gifts of
service and mercy working as a Physical Therapist, and quickly grew from
being a practitioner to area rehab director to consultant for health care
companies. As successful as her career was, her true passion was serving
others (youth ministry was a favorite). Wendi also loved teaching fitness
classes at the YMCA, spending time and running at the beach, and above all
else, doing activities with her children. All through her life Wendi
inspired the best in others with her unshakable faith, integrity, joyful
attitude, and beautiful smile. She will be remembered by her family as a
loving daughter, wife, sister, and mother. Wendi will be dearly missed by
all who knew her.
Wendi is survived
by Christopher Balda, husband; children: Faith and R.J., along with her
parents, Teresa and Ed Heil of Lake Havasu, AZ, and brother, Erick Bryce of
CA.
She was preceded in
death by her father, Richard Merbitz.
Visitation will be
Sunday, November 12, 2017, from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
The funeral will be
Monday November 13, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. All services are at the Valparaiso
Nazarene Church, 2702 E. Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso, IN, 46383. There will be
an additional service for our Kansas City friends and family, details
forthcoming.