Robert Baatz

     Robert Baatz age 71 of Lester, IA died September 4, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA.        Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, September 8th at Peace Lutheran Church of Rock Rapids, IA, with Rev. Mark Hansen officiating.        Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Lester, IA.        Visitation will be Thursday, September 7th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with family present from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Peace Lutheran Church of Rock Rapids.    Robert Gene Baatz was born November 24, 1945 in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Meta (Ranschau) Baatz. He grew up on the family farm east of Lester, IA and attended country school and graduated from Central Lyon High School in 1964. He entered the United States Navy and served as a Radar Technician from 27 August 1965 to 13 August 1969. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer and served aboard the USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier. Robert continued his education and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Sioux Empire College in 1979. Robert worked as an electrician for Jakes Electric for over 25 years. He then started his own business, RB Electric, which he operated from 1996 until 2011, when he sold his business. He continued to work as an electrician until fully retiring in 2015. Robert was a member of the English Lutheran Church in Larchwood. He was also a member of the Lester American Legion. He enjoyed woodworking and collecting Pabst Blue Ribbon advertising memorabilia. Morning coffee with his buddies at the ‘Round Table’ was rarely missed and very much enjoyed by Robert. One of his fondest memories was the trip to Alaska he took with his wife and friends. This past Monday, Robert passed away at the Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids at the age of 71. He will be greatly missed.           He is survived by his wife, Nikki Baatz of Lester, IA; children from first marriage, Rachel (Jason) Druhl of Pensacola, FL, Jeffrey (Laura) Baatz of Sanborn, IA, Michelle (Brian) Davis of Jarrell, TX, Chad (Rebecca) Baatz of Hospers, IA; child from second marriage, Abigail Baatz of Sioux Falls, SD; stepchildren, Josh (Tammy) Waddell of Larchwood, IA and LaToya (Jared) Ageson of Alvord, IA; 18 grandchildren; sister, Joann Short; brothers, Roger (Lois) Baatz, Jerry (Merry) Baatz, Larry (Marlene) Baatz, Fred (Jacque Storm) Baatz; nieces, nephews and other extended family members.           Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Meta Baatz.