George Rudolph Batsche

George Rudolph Batsche, 87, of Mesa, AZ passed away November 2, 2018. He was born April 2, 1931 in Merrick, NY to George William and Josephine Julia Helen [Scheneny] Batsche. George proudly served in the US Coast Guard during the Korean War, being honorably discharged on May 28, 1952. He was a hard working man, working as a diesel mechanic for Freeport Power Co. as well as the Merrick Volunteer Fire Dept. for 40 years; retiring as Captain. George then moved to Arizona where he met Ellen Leis; George and Ellen were married in January 1982 in Phoenix then moved back to Merrick, NY, where they lived for 5 years before relocating back to Mesa, AZ. After relocating back to Arizona, George volunteered his time at the Hall of Flame Museum in Phoenix for 10 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Josephine; step-daughter, Crystal Pope, his first wife, Margaret (Leis) Batsche and his sister, Jean Fehn and is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years Ellen; daughter, Karen (Chris) Bonanno; son, Kurt Batsche; his step-children, Alina Sherman, Chris McAtee and Aaron McAtee; his brother Richard (Marion) Batsche; grandchildren, Christopher Bonanno, Brandon Bonanno, Jake Bonanno, Corey Sherman, Austin Sherman, Shaina (D.J.) Cook, Kristy McAtee, Savanna Pope and Nicole Pope as well as his great grandchildren, Krystal Espinoza, Maya and Azaria Daniels. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens (480) 830-4422