Martin Battjes

Passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2006, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born April 25, 1921 in Moline, MI the son of Geert and Maggie (Helmholt) Battjes and had lived in the Portage area for most of his life. Martin was a member of the Portage Free Methodist Church, and had worked as a carpenter for the Local 525 Carpenter's Union. He was also a member of the Kalamazoo Valley Wood Carvers Guild, the National Wood Carvers Guild, and the Patrol Craft Sailors Association. He had served his country during WW II in the U S. Navy. Martin is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Evelyn Esman, of Portage; his children, Donna (Glenn) Bumgardner of Portage, Cynthia (Verne) Mills of Kalamazoo, and Kevin (Joyce) Battjes of Midland; his grandchildren, Rebecca (Michael) King, Jeremy Battjes and his fiancée, Nicole Stendel, Daniel (Stacie) Battjes and Sarah Battjes; his great grandchildren, Jonathan and Laura King; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers and 7 sisters. Memorial services will be conducted at 11:30 AM Monday in the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre St. with Pastor Chuck Connors officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Portage Free Methodist Church.