Gilbert Ralph Bathke

George, Iowa Gilbert Bathke, age 81 of George, IA died Thursday, July 15, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Society in George. Funeral Service will be 10:30 AM, Monday, July 19th at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in George, IA, with Rev. Tony Metz officiating. Burial will follow at the Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in George. Visitation will be Sunday, July 18th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of George. Gilbert Ralph Bathke was born May 23, 1929 at Bancroft, South Dakota to Edward G. and Katie (Dirksen) Bathke. Gil was baptized and confirmed in the St. Johns Lutheran Church in Bancroft. He grew up in the Bancroft, Bryant, and Erwin, SD area, attending country school there. Gil attended high school in Bryant and Washington High in Sioux Falls, SD. His family returned to the Bryant area and farmed there. March 22, 1952, Gil married Valoris Nagel at George, IA, in the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. On December 9, 1952 he left to serve his country in the army, serving from December 1952 to October 1954, 17 months of that time was in Korea. Gil and Valoris made their home in George, IA, after he returned home from active duty. Gil spent the next 23 years working for Sudenga Motors as parts manager, service manager and mechanic. In May of 1976 he purchased Gils Standard Service and operated it for 17 years, until his retirement. Gil enjoyed serving the public and working with the boys. He was blessed to have 47 years with mom who passed away October 27, 1999. In April of 2008 he entered the George Good Samaritan Nursing Home and resided there until his passing, this past Thursday evening, July 15, 2010. Gil was an active member of the George Chamber of Commerce. He served on the volunteer fire department for many years and was fire chief until his retirement. Gil was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served on church council several times. One of his greatest enjoyments in life was watching his children and grandchildren in all of their many school activities. Gil is survived by, his sons and their spouses, Joel and Charlene, Michael and Debra, James and Kayleen, all of George, IA; a daughter, Sherry of Sioux Falls, SD; grandsons and granddaughters, Ryan and Karlee, Justin and Melissa, Joshua, Matthew, Becky and Omar, Katie, Jessie, Erin, Dillon, Kendren, and Kamela; five great-grandchildren; and his dear friend, Janie Krahling. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Valoris; and two brothers, Edward and Harold Bathke.