Obituaries

July 14, 1936 to April 4, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - Norman Bathke, 87, lifelong farmer from Medaryville, passed away Thursday, April 4, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Rensselaer.

He was born July 14, 1936 at the farmstead home in White Post Township to the late Otto and Hilda [Liersch] Bathke. He graduated from Medaryville High School in 1954 and attended Purdue University. On Aug. 20, 1960, he married Judith Mendenhall at Pulaski Presbyterian Church. She passed away June 28, 2015.

Norman Bathke

He is survived by:
Doug (Sandy) Bathke, Son
Diana (David) Ricks, Daughter
Chuck (Sally) Bathke, Son
Grandchildren: Trevor (Ashley Cox) Bathke, Trent (Betsy) Bathke, Spencer Ricks, Bryan (Jade VanMeter) Bathke, and Michael (fiancé: Allison Hunt) Bathke.
Great-Grandchildren: Emerson Cox, Hudson Bathke, Austin Bathke, Jackson Bathke, and Leighton Bathke.
Arden (Phyllis) Bathke, Brother
Karen Mendenhall, Sister-in-law
Melissa Alexander, Niece

Preceded in death by:
Alex Douglas Bathke, Infant Grandson
Ron Mendenhall, Brother-in-law

Mr. Bathke 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. He enjoyed his annual trips to Minnesota/Wisconsin where he made lifelong friends who became family. He was faithful to help his family, friends and neighbors. He loved attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 10, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Medaryville with Pastor Don Embree officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Memorial Fund.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.