Lorretta Delores Batsch

Lorretta Delores Batsch, 82, formerly of Jamestown, ND passed away early Wednesday morning July 1, 2009 at the Strasburg Care Center in Strasburg, ND.

Lorretta Nitschke was born May 15, 1927 on the family farm in Jud, ND, the daughter of Christian Nitschke and Victoria (Stehr) Nitschke. She received her elementary education in the local school and upon graduating from Jud High School, earned her teaching degree at Ellendale College. She taught at a country school near Gackle, ND until her marriage.

She and Jacob H. Batsch were married November 30, 1947 at Jud, ND. They made their home on his parents' farm for 1 year before buying their own farm West of Gackle, where they resided for 10 years until moving to Jamestown in 1958. She worked at the Trinity Hospital for a short time. Lorretta resided in Jamestown until the death of her husband. She moved into Linton, ND; with her daughter. She entered the Strasburg Care Center on June 4th.

She was a member of the First Congregational UCC Church in Jamestown, ND.

She enjoyed reading, embroidery and cooking. She made the best German food and her famous homemade chocolate pie and apple turnovers. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared her life is her daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie (Terry) Kooker, Linton, ND, 5 grandchildren, Chad Kooker, Bismarck, ND; Donavan Kooker, Linton, ND; Andrea (Ryan) Svalen, Bismarck, ND; Timothy Kooker, Linton, ND; Audrey Kooker, Bismarck, ND; 6 great grandchildren, Alyssa, Morgan, Brady, Shane, Lukas, Isabelle; 1 sister Edna (Irvin) Kleingartner, Jamestown, ND, and 1 brother, Rudy (Murel) Nitschke, Jamestown, ND.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her soulmate Jack, April 23, 2009; 2 brothers, Ted, Richard, and 4 sisters, Hulda, Bertha, Otellia and Emma.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 AM Monday July 6, 2009 in the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Jamestown, ND with Rev. Susan Lester, pastor officiating.
Prayer Service: 7:00 PM Sunday at the Funeral Home
Interment will be made in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown, ND