Bruce Batley

Bruce Batley, 71, of Rockford, entered our Lord's kingdom on November 1, 2017.  Born on November 16, 1945 in Chicago to Gordon and Mary Sue Batley; married Linda Kagel on May 9, 1987 in Las Vegas, NV.  Attended U-W River Falls, WI for his Baccalaureate Degree and acquired his Masters' Degrees in History and English in Superior, WI.

Bruce was a credit manager for Larson Picture Frame, Ashland, WI, and Plant Manager for Burpee Co. in Barrington, IL.  He was a volunteer fireman and rescue squad EMT for 8 years in Mason, WI.  Bruce and Linda lived in Door County, WI for 18 years, where he worked at Wagon Trail Resort, managed Cedar Grove Resort and was grounds keeper for Country Walk Condo Assn. Bruce also worked in the maintenance department of Sister Bay Nursing Home.

Bruce was a remarkable man in many ways. He was a compassionate, caring man who, first and foremost, loved worshiping and serving Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bruce cherished his family, enjoyed helping others and had a quick, dry sense of humor. He loved watching wildlife, especially birds, taking walks, landscaping his yard, reading, and do-it-yourself projects. Bruce was a jack-of-all trades and very good at it. He enjoyed studying maps. Wisconsin was his favorite state and he was an avid Packers fan.

He was a member of Maywood Ev. Free Church, Rockford IL, where he enjoyed singing in the choir, helping with set-ups for Harvestfest as well as other activities.  Bruce also assisted in the remodel of the new addition by installing all of the toilets.  

A bible verse that says it all for Bruce is 2 Timothy 4:7  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 

He is survived by his wife, Linda; five children, Frank (Jenny) Kagel, Keri Riley, Connie (John) Trotter, Kristi (Shannon) Wood and Kathleen (Michael) Lockwood; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Kent; and three nephews.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Maywood Evangelical Free Church, 3621 Samuelson Rd., Rockford, IL 61109 with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

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