Lowell O. Batten

TAMPICO – Lowell O. Batten, 78, of 214 S. Main St., Tampico, died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, at his home in Tampico, after a courageous battle with cancer. He worked as a straightener operator in the 24-inch mill at Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., Sterling, for 35 years, retiring in 1995. After retirement, he worked at Mitchell Melons and for Tampico Township.

Lowell was born Oct. 28, 1932, in Kewanee, the son of Oliver J. and Elenora (Beyer) Batten. He graduated from Tampico High School in 1950. Lowell entered the Army in 1953, during the Korean War, and served until 1955. He married Mary Anne Nuelle on Dec. 1, 1956, in Tampico.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne Batten of Tampico; one daughter, Becky (Rod) Wares of Emerson; two sons, Tom (Lisa) Batten of Mesa, Ariz., and Mike (Sara) Batten of Rock Falls; six grandchildren, Andrew House and Aaron House, both of Emerson, Jessica Batten of Atlanta, Jeffrey Batten of Rock Falls and Taylor Batten and Torrey Batten, both of Mesa; two brothers, Lawrence (Rose) Batten and Howard (Pat) Batten, both of Tampico; four sisters, Mary Kuepker of Flanagan, Rosalie (Don) Muni of Sublette, Joyce Sandrock of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Rita (Jerry) Beranek of Rock Falls; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one grandchild, Thad Batten.

A time of sharing will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Garland Funeral Home, Tampico, with the Rev. Esther Lee, pastor of Tampico United Methodist Church, officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be at Tampico Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Hospice of the Rock River Valley.

Visit www.garlandfuneralhome.com to send condolences.