Robert J. Bathke

ROBERT J. BATHKE Robert “Bob” J. Bathke, 81, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. He was born November 1, 1934 to Peter and Ruby (Meverden) Bathke in Algoma, Wisconsin. Bob graduated from Algoma High School in 1953, and then followed his sister Joyce and her husband Bob Burgess on an adventure of a lifetime to the Great State of Alaska, ultimately settling in Ketchikan. On August 29, 1959 he married Michalyn Hines in Lewiston, Idaho. They spent their honeymoon visiting their families in Idaho and Wisconsin and then returned to Ketchikan where they raised their five children. Bob loved fishing, golfing, traveling and Budweiser beer. Bob worked at the Ketchikan Pulp Company from the late 50’s to 1977, and then in 1977 moved his family to Anchorage, AK where he worked in electronics repair with B.P. Oil (British Petroleum) at Prudhoe Bay on the North Slope of Alaska where he was known as “Colonel Bob”. He retired in 1996, and in 2002 moved with his wife to Surprise, AZ where he loved to golf, fuss over his orange, grapefruit & tangelo trees and pamper his beautiful, beautiful roses. Bob served the Lord with gladness, volunteering his time and talents at Christ our Savior Lutheran Church in Anchorage, AK along with his stewardship at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Surprise, AZ, where he was known for his kindness and smile. Bob was dearly loved as a faithful and dedicated husband, father, son, brother and friend. He will be truly missed by his wife Michalyn, son David (Tane’) Bathke, daughters Liz Larson, Mary (Larry) Banning, Nancy (Robbie) Hill & Barbara Bathke. Grandchildren James & Katie, Amanda, Brianna, & Kenneth, Dane and Emily. Great-grandchildren Deshaun, Quinn and Aizlee. Siblings include Shirley (Ken) Haack, Grace (Wayne) Keach, Cheryl (Mark) Rankin, David (Marsha) Bathke, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Ruby (Meverden) Bathke, an infant brother James, brother John Bathke, and sister Joyce Burgess. A memorial in his honor will be held at a future date. Remembrances may be made in his name to the following organizations: Hospice of the Valley 14066 W. Waddell Road, Surprise, AZ 85379 http://www.hov.org/donate Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church 14650 W Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374 http://www.sotv-wels.org/