Obituary of Donald Badtke

Donald James Badtke June 1, 1936 June 30, 2007 Donald James Badtke, 71, of Sassafras Lane in Niles, passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at the Lakeland Hospital in Niles. Don was born on June 1, 1936 to the late Eldred "Hans" and Rose (Jensterle) Badtke in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of 2 children. Don attended Cedarburg High School where he was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp. Don Joined the United States Army after high school and when his tour of duty was over he attended Marquette University and Michigan State University where he received his Masters of Business Administration after years of diligent work. He was a Cub Master for Scout Troop 78 in Niles and was also a member of the Tyler Blue Notes where he sang bass for 20 years. After 15 years of service in Management at Tyler Refrigeration Don became owner and president of Stanley Knight Corporation until his retirement in 1998. In 1991 Don married the love of his life, Shirley Reed at a ceremony in Niles. Together they enjoyed dancing, the outdoors and especially Don's golfing at Orchard Hill's and card games of gin rummy with their friends. He is preceded in death by his parents. Don is survived by his 2 sons Douglas Badtke of Mishawaka and James Badtke of Tarpon Springs, FL, along with their loving mother Janet Badtke of Niles, Stepsons Brent (Robin) Baer of Atlanta, GA and Kevin (Mary Beth) Kendrick of Beaumont, TX and Stepdaughter Brenda Baer of Bristol, IN, 1 granddaughter Haileigh Badtke, 9 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great- grandchildren and sister Sandra Badtke of West Allis, WI. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 from 11-1 at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Niles with Don's service immediately following at 1:00pm. Rev. Lloyd Phillips will be officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Niles.