Frank J. Batka, Jr. (1933-2020)

BATKA

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/22/2020 at 12:00:20

Frank J. Batka, Jr., age 86, of Dubuque, Iowa, and formerly of Chicago, Illinois, completed his earthly journey on February 9, 2020 at Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Asbury, Iowa, with his loving wife by his side. To celebrate Frank’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at the Grand Meadows Clubhouse, 5300 Grand Meadows Drive, Asbury, Iowa, with a memorial service being held at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. There will also be a Celebration of Life held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Lone Tree Manor, 7730 North Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, Illinois, which includes a memorial service being held at 2:00 p.m. followed by a traditional Polish meal. Burial will be in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Frank’s family.

Frank was born on November 12, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois, a son to Frank and Anastazia (Jerka) Batka, Sr. He spent his formative years surrounded by his large, loving family and after graduating from Lane Tech High School, he proudly joined the U.S. Army to honorably serve his country during the Korean War. After his duty was complete, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Patricia Schmalz, and to begin his career working in the HVAC industry. He spent over 40 years working as a Superintendent with Zack Heating and Ventilation in order to provide for his family. Frank was committed to all that he immersed himself in; whether at work, at home, or with the Boy Scouts and the Cavalier Drum and Bugle Corps. Frank was an original member of the Cavaliers and his devotion carried on through all three of his children. Frank possessed an incredible work ethic and a wonderful sense of humor. We are going to miss Frank deeply and dearly as we search for peace in his absence. He made friends wherever he went and made a positive imprint on the world around him. We trust that the Lord has plans for good in all He does, and we will now trust our broken hearts to His grace and merciful hand until we are reunited with our dear husband, father, grandfather and friend. Thank you, Frank, for leaving a legacy worth carrying forward, and for not doing it because you felt that you had to, but rather because that was simply who you are!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Frank include:

his beautiful bride of 62 years,
Patricia “Pat” Batka, Asbury, Iowa;

his 3 loving children,
Kimberly “Kim” (Steve) Myers, West lake, Ohio,
Daniel “Dan” (Kari) Batka, Batavia, Illinois,
and Jeffrey “Jeff” (Diane) Batka, Glenview, Illinois;

his 5 adored grandchildren,
Lauren (fiancé Brian Dowling) Myers, Eric Myers, Brock Batka, Madelyn Batka and Ryan Batka;

his sister,
Dorothy (Bob) Fey, Ohio;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sons in infancy; his grandson, Paul Samuel “Sam” Myers; and his 9 siblings, Lilian (Stanley) Smolen, Harry Batka, Joe Batka, Chester (Dorothy) Batka, Rita (Marc) Mott, Mary Ann (Richard “Dick”) Nickels, Eleanor (Cliff) Gross and 1 brother in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, a general donation to honor Frank J. Batka, Jr., can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org

Frank’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Frank and his family.