RJ Bateman
Rufus J. Bateman, 65, retired meat cutter and former farmer, died June 12, 2002, after fighting a courageous six year battle with cancer.
Born Feb. 14, 1937, at Marion Hospital, he was the son of the late Rufus and Rozella Elizabeth (Byram) Bateman.
R.J., as he was known to all, attended Youngtown Grade School and graduated from Marion High School in the class of 1955. He was a all-state player, at center, on the Warrior 1954-55 football team.
He attended Emporia State University two years before working in the Colorado Forestry Service at Winter Park ski resort.
He served in the Army from January 1960 until June of 1962, where he was a Nike Hercules missile base crewman near Fairbanks, Alaska. He was on active combat duty during the Cuban missile crisis.
Following service, he joined his father in operating the family Grade A dairy farm. They sold the farm in 1975 and he began working for Lynn's Truck and Tractor agency.
He then began working as a meat cutter, a career that became his hallmark. He worked for Quality Market and Carlsons' IGA.
He not only was noted for his skill in cutting meat, but also for his sense of humor and rapport with customers. He greeted customers with a smile, and often shared cooking tips.
On April 25, 1965, he was married to Jeannine Ann Skibbe at Strassburg Baptist Church. Their daughter, Kristine Kay Bateman, was born Jan. 25, 1975.
The family attended Strassburg Baptist Church where he was Sunday school teacher and worked with youth groups.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing as long as health permitted.
Survivors include his wife, Jeannine; daughter, Kristine; brother, Dr. John K. Bateman and wife Beth; a niece; three nephews; and countless friends.
Services were held Saturday at the Strassburg church with Pastor Don Mashburn officiating.
Greg Carlson was vocal soloist, Kristi Krispense the pianist, and Anita Hancock the organist.
Casket bearers were Don Kraus, Skip Sieger, LeRoy Kraus, Max Hayen, Mitch Carlson, and Leland Heidebrecht. Honorary bearers included Jerry Makovec, Leonard Klassen, Lawrence Gilbert, Ken Nienstedt, Pete McCloud and Mark Wilcox.
Burial was in Grant Township Cemetery.
