Norman Bathke
Norman Bathke, 87, lifelong farmer from Medaryville, passed away Thursday, April 4, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Rensselaer.
He was born on July 14, 1936, at the farmstead home in White Post Township to the late Otto and Hilda (Liersch) Bathke. Norman graduated from Medaryville High School in 1954 and attended Purdue University. On Aug. 20, 1960, he married Judith Mendenhall at Pulaski Presbyterian Church. Judith passed away on June 28, 2015.
Norman was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Medaryville where he served several decades as treasurer. He worked hard all of his life and was proud to be part of a successful generational farming legacy. Norman enjoyed his annual trips to Minnesota/Wisconsin where he made lifelong friends that became family. Norman was faithful to help his family, friends, and neighbors. He loved attending his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s events. Norman will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by sons: Doug [Sandy] Bathke and Chuck [Sally] Bathke; daughter Diana [David] Ricks; grandsons: Trevor [Ashley Cox] Bathke, Trent [Betsy] Bathke, Spencer Ricks, Bryan [Jade VanMeter] Bathke, Michael [fiancé: Allison Hunt] Bathke; great-grandchildren: Emerson Cox, Hudson Bathke, Austin Bathke, Jackson Bathke, Leighton Bathke; brother Arden [Phyllis] Bathke; sister-in-law Karen Mendenhall; and niece Melissa Alexander.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Otto and Hilda (Liersch) Bathke; wife Judith (Mendenhall) Bathke; infant grandson Alex Douglas Bathke; and brother-in-law Ron Mendenhall.
Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Medaryville with Pastor Don Embree officiating.
Burial will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Medaryville.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Memorial Fund.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.
(Pulaski County Journal — April 10, 2024)