Marlene Bateman, 91

April 26, 1932 - 

May 28, 2023

 

CRESCO - Marlene Kathryn (Shobakken) Bateman, born April 26, 1932, died May 28, 2023.

Marlene was born in Cresco, Iowa to Edwin Shobakken and Virginia (Woodard) Shobakken. Her father died when she was five, her mother when she was eight. She was subsequently raised by her paternal grandparents, Ole and Marie Shobakken in Ridgeway, Iowa. 

She had no siblings, but did have many cousins, aunts and uncles, whom she loved. She graduated from Ridgeway High School, at the top of her class. Shortly after graduating, she married Lyle E. Bateman (deceased). They lived in Waterloo, Iowa; Decorah, Iowa; Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Protivin, Iowa.  Marlene lived most recently in Rochester and Pine Island, Minn., near her daughter Virginia. 

Marlene and Lyle had seven children: Virginia Johnson (Claire); Angela Rebal (Mike); Susan Powell (Brad); Christian Bateman (Janet); Betsy Bateman; Robyn Evans (Erik); Marlena Poorman (Joe). She had 18 grandchildren: Josh Strickler, Matt Strickler, Trish Stark, Blair Rebal, J. J. Powell, Bill Powell, Joe Powell, Lyle Powell, Philip Bateman, Josh Bateman, Michaela Bateman, Evan Bateman, Arthur Bateman, Auden Bateman, Avery Evans, Rosalie Evans, Eric Ferguson, and Kate Ferguson. She had 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Prior to retirement, Marlene worked as a medical secretary at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids for many years. In the late 1960s, she was co-owner of The Cameo tavern in Decorah. She worked for Tommy Tucker Realty as a realtor in the early 1980s. She also worked many service jobs over the years. 

She was a long-time member of the Lutheran Church. Most recently, she attended  Christ Our Rock Lutheran Church, in Rochester, Minn. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society in Rochester.

Marlene loved her Lutheran faith, traveling, playing cards and other games, birds, music, Iowa (and the Hawkeyes), learning, an occasional wine or beer, and especially her family and friends. She was a person of great kindness and intelligence, who had a sweet nature. She practiced gratitude for her life, generosity of others and the beauty in the world.

She will be deeply and widely missed. 

Deep thanks to Pine Haven Nursing Home in Pine Island, MN for all the loving care.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 10, 2023  at Christ Our Rock Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minn. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. and the funeral Service at 11 a.m.. with luncheon to follow. Graveside service will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Cresco, that afternoon (approximately 3 p.m.).

Memorials may be given to Christ Our Rock Lutheran Church, 3040 Stonehedge Dr NE, Rochester, Minn., 55906.