Memorial services for Donald Keith Batt, age 81, of Hartland will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Rev. Shawn Stafford will officiate. Interment will be in the Hartland Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by members of the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2015 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.
Donald died on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Community, two days before his 82nd birthday.
Donald Keith Batt was born on January 15, 1933 in Algona, IA, the son of George and Lucille (Cook) Batt. He went to six different country schools in Iowa as a young boy; and moved to Minnesota with his family at age 13. Donald graduated from Freeborn High School in 1950. Following graduation, he served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. On October 27, 1957 Donald was united in marriage to Glenda Graham in Albert Lea. Donald had several different jobs through the years. He worked at Wilson’s, was a truck driver, a heavy equipment operator, a mechanic and was the owner of Hartland Farm Equipment. Donald was a member of the Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church, the New Richland American Legion, and a lifetime member of the VFW. He was also a member of the American Legion Color Guard and enjoyed marching in parades and at other events. For over thirty years Donald was a volunteer for the Hartland Fire Department, including 25 years as the Fire Chief. His hobbies included making wooden toys, metal steam engines, and fabricating equipment for the fire department. He also was a member of the Freeborn County Fire Association. In his younger years, Donald played fast-pitch softball, and was a member of the Freeborn County Softball Hall of Fame. He enjoyed reading; particularly non-fiction such as Civil War histories and encyclopedias.Survivors include his wife Glenda of Hartland, sons Scott (Janell) Batt of Newton, IA, Neal (Darla) Batt, of Hartland, Keith (Karen) Batt of Bellingham, WA; daughter Lynn (John) Osswald of Northbridge, MA; 12 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; brother Allen (Gail) Batt, a brother-in-law, 3 sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents George and Lucille Batt, his sister Georgianna Roberts, grandson Steven Batt, granddaughter Patrisha Pennell, and brothers-in-law Glen Graham and Corvin Roberts.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Hartland Fire Department.