Terry “Dutch” Batten, age 79 of Mendon, passed away at his home following a very short illness. Dutch was born on December 17, 1944 in Mendon, the son of Shirley “Bill” and Veryl (VanNess) Batten. He attended Mendon High School and was part of the 1963 graduating class. On June 17, 1972 Dutch would marry Jeanne Samson at the Mendon United Methodist Church. Dutch was always involved with sports throughout school. After graduating, he would volunteer his time running the scoreboards and helping the chain-gang with his buddies. In his later years, he would often be seen at his grandchildren’s sporting events cheering them on. When he wasn’t busy helping and cheering his fellow Hornets, he would compete for over 20 years in a fast pitch softball league as a catcher. He cheered on his Wolverines, Tigers, and Lions (which meant he dealt with a lot of stress). Dutch loved playing golf and even made a hole-in-one at the St. Joe Valley Golf Club, on hole 14. He also dedicated his time as a volunteer fireman for the Mendon Fire Department and also played the role as street administrator for the village of Mendon. In his spare time, if he had any, he loved having coffee with his extended family on the weekends, and going hunting – especially with his uncle Wheat.
Dutch is survived by his loving wife of 52, Jeanne Batten; daughter Tricia (Chip) Durren; grandchildren Cade and Connor Durren; sister Sue (Lee) Griffith; and many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Veryl Batten, and sister Brenda Samson.
In keeping with family wishes, cremation is being conducted. A visitation for Dutch will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home from 3pm until 6pm. Donations in memory of Dutch should be directed to Dan Batten, for improvements made at Wheat’s Field. Condolences and memories may be expressed to Dutch’s family at eickhofffuneralhome.com
Monday, December 23, 2024
