Norman Batchelder

Mr. Norman E. Batchelder, age 84, died peacefully Thursday, March 22, 2007. He was born on June 2, 1922 in Muskegon Heights, to James and Helen (Petersen) Batchelder. Norman married Helen Miller on March 13, 1944 in San Diego, CA, and she died on February 1, 2000. He had been a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and worked many years at Port City Heating and Cooling before retiring. Norman was a U.S.S. Wachapreague in the Pacific Theatre of War participating in the Battle of the Leyte Gulf. He was a 1940 graduate of Muskegon Heights High School. Hobbies included, traveling extensively with his wife on their motorcycle, he was an avid reader and enjoyed Civil War history. He was a member of the N.A.R.C.O.A., a reduced scale operating railroad system, and a 50 year member of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union. Survivors include: his children Norman F. (Kibbie) Batchelder of Mexico, MO, Joseph (Deborah) Batchelder of Muskegon, MI and Margaret (Dave) Freise of Topeka, KS; 9 grandchildren and 3 great-granddaughters; sisters Eloise Klooster of Charlevoix, MI and Audrey (John) Carlson of Muskegon, MI; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother Leslie Batchelder and sister Shirley Morton. The Funeral Liturgy will be at 11AM Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church followed by Military Rites. Visitation hours will be 2-4 and 6-8PM Monday at the Pachesny-Funeral Home, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30Pm. Visitation also one hour prior to service time at church. Memorial contributions to the Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation, Inc. or St. Lazarre's Retreat House in Spring Lake, MI