Melva Jean Bateman (Wetzel)

Melva is survived by her daughter, Julie Wetzels (Peter), son, Jeffrey Wetzel, step-son, Larry Bateman (Connie) and their children, Nicole Gardner (Neil), Tiffany Billman, and Daniel Bateman, and their children.

Preceded in death by her first husband, Randolph Wetzel, parents, Ernest and Lillian Haber, brother, Donald Haber, and second husband, Gaylord Bateman.

Melva Jean Haber was born on December 4, 1935 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota to Ernest and Lillian Haber. She married Randolph Wetzel in 1957 in Lake Crystal, Minnesota. They moved to St. Paul, Minnesota after their marriage, and then made their home in Stillwater (Oak Park Heights), Minnesota. Their daughter, Julie, was born there.

Upon Randolph’s death in 1962 from a car accident, Melva and Julie, went to live with her parents in Garden City, Minnesota for a while, as she was pregnant with her’s and Randolph’s son at the time of Randolph’s death. Son, Jeffrey, was born there in Mankato, Minnesota. Shortly afterwards, Melva moved with Julie and Jeffrey back to St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1968 she married Gaylord Bateman, a widower, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He had a son, Larry Bateman. Melva and Gaylord were married until Gaylord’s death from a heart attack in 1977.

Melva was a vibrant, full of life person. She loved going fishing and boating, and always looked forward to the family week spent at a lake resort in the Crosslake area of northern Minnesota each summer. She also enjoyed gardening and keeping her yard looking beautiful. Travel was something she enjoyed too, as Julie and her husband, Peter, took her on many trips all over the continental U.S, Hawaii, Canada, and Aruba. She was very active and even hiked to the top of Diamond Head in Hawaii at the age of 70. She also enjoyed getting together with friends weekly for a time of playing cards or other games. Melva will be remembered for her kind heart, quick wit, and willingness to help in any way she could.

Visitation, Funeral Service, Interment, and Luncheon will all be at St. Lucas Community Church located at 1195 Manning Ave North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 on Monday, February 9, 2026.

Visitation from 10:00am to 11:00am

Funeral Service at 11:00am

Interment immediately following Funeral Service

Luncheon in the church following interment.

The family would like to thank those at Our Lady of Peace Hospice for their excellent care and compassion.