Jerome Dale Batalden, 58, of Thief River Falls, died Thursday, January 29, 2009 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Jerome Jerry Batalden was born in Lamberton, MN on November 8, 1950 to Vernon Spencer and Bernice Alva (Kleven) Batalden. He was baptized and confirmed at Highwater Lutheran Church, rural Lamberton, MN. Jerome attended and graduated from Lamberton Public School. He attended Canby Technical College and later Southwest State College graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. During this time he was drafted into the Army and was honorably discharged after serving his term. On August 25, 1973 Jerome was united in marriage to Bernice Kay Knakmuhs at Highwater Lutheran Church, rural Lamberton, MN.

Jerry began his working career working for Midland. Throughout the years the company changed their name several times eventually becoming Agriliance. In 2006 Jerry retired as a Regional Sales Manager from Agriliance and later accepted a position with Wilber Ellis before he fell ill.

Jerome found great joy in hunting, often times near Grygla, fishing, and hitting the golf course whenever he could. He enjoyed working with computers, spending time with family, and traveling the world.

Jerome is survived by his wife Bernice; children Sara (Jason) Nelson of Thief River Falls, MN, Gretchen (Mark) Spyhalski of Brooklyn Park, MN, Christian (Morgan) Batalden of Grand Forks, ND; 6 grandchildren, Ethan Klasen, Jason Nelson Jr., Wyatt Nelson, Elliot Spyhalski, Matea Spyhalski, and Breyona Batalden; brother Phillip (Deborah) Batalden; as well as many other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Loren Batalden; niece Tracy Batalden; and several aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be directed to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.


CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Peace Like a River Amazing Grace How Great Thou Art
CASKETBEARERS: John Knakmuhs, James Knakmuhs, Tom Knakmuhs, Ryan Batalden, Spencer Batalden, and Guy Drevlow
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Ethan Klasen, Elliot Spyhalski, Matea Spyhalski, Jason Nelson Jr., Wyatt Nelson, and Breyona Batalden