William "Mike" Batho

William "Mike" Adelbert Batho peacefully went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 26, 2011 at home. He was born March 19, 1919 to James Douglas and Nina May (Bentley) Batho of Pickford, Michigan. Mike served in the Coast Guard. He was then discharged to the Navy to serve in the World War II Landing Division. He drove the landing barges in six invasions. His tour included: Casablanca, Newfoundland, Sicily, South Pacific, Marshall Islands, and Guam. He served from 1939 to 1946. Before service time he worked in the CC's paving US2. After military service he worked various construction projects including the Mackinac Bridge. Mike or "Mikey", as he was affectionately known, worked for the Soo Line Railroad from January 26, 1952, retiring June 12, 1981. Mike was an avid fisherman, hunter, and snowmobiler. He enjoyed his cabin at High Banks Lake where a "mean" game of cribbage was played. Mike also loved watching and feeding wild birds and gardening. He had a special dog, Misty, who was his constant companion. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Betty (Chapiesky) Batho; his brothers, Kenneth "Tom" (Frances) Batho and James "Jim" Batho; his sisters, Eva (Elmer) Eagle and June "Boots" Mansfield. He is survived by his wife Gloria; his sister Gerry (William) Wise of Pickford, MI; his sister-in-law Donna Batho of Donaldson, MI; stepchildren: Valli (Thomas) Lawlor of Rudyard, MI; Crystal (Daniel) Petersen of Donaldson, MI; Christine (Eddy) Clark of Fort Valley, GA; Stanley Plis of Marquette, MI; Grandchildren: Daniel (Debra) Petersen of Rudyard, MI; Tom (Alicia) Lawlor of Rudyard, MI; Trevor Lawlor of Marquette, MI; Jennifer (Jason) Winters of Perry, GA; Megan Plis of Houghton, MI; Danielle Petersen of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Great-Grandchildren: Jadon, Kallen, and Ashlynn Lawlor of Rudyard, MI; Brianna and Lily Petersen of Rudyard, MI; Jacob, Emily and John Winters of Perry, GA. Mike is survived by many special nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at 11 am with memorial services at 12 noon on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at Rudyard Bible Church. Interment will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the First Church of Christ, Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Rudyard Bible Church of Rudyard, MI; or Chippewa County Animal Shelter, Sault Ste. Marie, MI would be appreciated.

Tributes

William "Mike" Batho

March 19, 1919 - May 26, 2011