Mary Batker

Mary Kathryn (Fitzpatrick) Batker, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2017, surrounded by her loving husband and two daughters, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse. Mary was born on February 28, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI to Henry and Ann (Whalen) Fitzpatrick. She graduated from Edgewood High School in 1946. She worked for many years as a secretary and stenographer, having spent quite a few sessions working with the Wisconsin State Legislature as a stenographer. Probably one of her most memorable jobs, though, was with the UW-Madison Housing Bureau. It was there that she met Doris Batker. Doris had an idea that she should introduce Mary to her older brother Stanley, so she invited her out to the family farm. Doris’ idea was obviously a good one. Stan proposed in 1949 and they were married at St. Raphael’s Cathedral in Madison on February 11, 1950.

Mary and Stan enjoyed travelling, making numerous trips to Hawaii, including a special trip in 2000 to celebrate their 50 ^th wedding anniversary with their daughters and grandson. They also traveled regularly to Door County and made many trips to Massachusetts and California to visit their daughter.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Stanley, daughters Kathryn Rafalko and Shelley Batker, grandson Michael Rafalko, two special sisters-in-law Doris Koch and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, brother-in-law David Batker, sister-in-law Barbara Harmon along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Ann and a brother Thomas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 130 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse. Rev. Peter Raj will officiate. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing, Iowa. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association. The Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, La Crosse Chapel is assisting the family.