Obituary of Frank Batschke

Frank was born March 25, 1929 to Frank & Ida (Rosin) Batschke in Bay City, Michigan. His parents emigrated to the United States from Germany on June 1, 1926 and changed the trajectory of the Batschke family. He died peacefully at MyMichigan Hospital (formerly St Mary’s) in Saginaw, Michigan on January 6, 2025. At Bay City Central High School, he met his future wife, Ruth (Anderson) Batschke and they were married on June 4, 1949.

Throughout their 74 years of marriage they raised their family, worked and traveled together. Survived by his children, Kaye (Arno) Williams, Dr. Patricia (Gail Pascoe) Hawk PhD, Karl (Michelle), Kurt (Patty) and Paul (Ann); his grandchildren, Dr. Russ (Ashley) Mayo PhD, Dirk (Jess) Batschke, Jennifer (Stephen) Schuster, Britton Batschke, Kory Batschke, Cameron (Tingting Wu) Batschke, Joshua (Chelsea) Batschke, Hannah (Andrew) Rahn, Kaleb (Rachel) Batschke, and Gabriel (Abbie Meier) Batschke; great-grandchildren, Oliver Batschke, Jacob & Luke Schuster, George & Thomas Mayo, Roland Batschke, Aiden Rahn, and two expected in 2025. In addition, he loved his many bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Frank was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Anderson Batschke on September 24, 2023; his parents; his brother, Gerhardt Batschke; sister, Hildegard (Bill) Mead; and his in-laws, Ted and Edna Anderson.

During their marriage, Frank & Ruth traveled to Europe, Mexico, Panama Canal, Bahamas, Alaska, St Martin, and had many fishing trips to Drummond Island and Canada. After being born in Bay City, Frank was raised in Jackson and Traverse City, Michigan before returning to Bay City when his father purchased Batschke Greenhouses on Euclid Ave. Frank purchased the greenhouse when his parents retired and managed the expansion into the retail garden center business, while expanding his knowledge as a grower with programs through Michigan State University and Ohio State University. Frank’s enjoyment of hunting and fishing were extended throughout his life with special memories of Deer Camp at Pinecrest with his sons and grandsons. His retirement years were spent during the winter in Bonita Springs, Florida (Citrus Park). They also spent over 50 years at their 240 acres Pinecrest Property in Lincoln, Michigan, along with their homes at Linwood Beach and Freeland, before settling into New Hope Bay. The family would like to thank his friends at New Hope Bay for their care and generosity of kindness and hugs. We felt confident that he was appreciating his independent living while knowing that he was surrounded with care. His days were filled with activities and he tried to never miss the morning exercise class.

A memorial service will be held at 12 pm, April 5, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 510 W. Ivy Ave., Bay City, MI 48708. Visitation with the family at the church will begin at 11:00 prior the service. Frank will be interred next to his beloved wife at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Memorials in Frank’s memory can be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, 510 W. Ivy Ave., Bay City, Michigan 48708 or the charity of the donor’s choice.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.