This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: BATTS, DEDOES, WOLFE, SPLETZER, BALKEMA Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/22782/mb.ashx Message Board Post: BATTS,Wayne Batts Age 69 Left his loved ones and earthly life behind on Friday and began his second life in heaven with his Lord, Jesus Christ. The day marked the end of a nearly thirty-year struggle with health afflictions that was punctuated by the cancer that ultimately took his life. Wayne's time in this world will not be measured by the breadth of his accomplishments or by the vastness of his wealth, but rather by the depths of his spirituality, his dedication to family and integrity towards his fellow man. Wayne was born in Bedum, Netherlands in 1938. He immigrated with his family to America when he was eight years old and they settled and began a new life in Kalamazoo, where he lived ever since. In 1967, he married Ruth DeDoes, to whom he remained faithfully devoted for over forty years until his passing. Wayne is survived by his four children, Kimberly (Jason) Wolfe of Lake Ann, MI, Todd of Vicksburg, MI, Lorilei (Bruce) Spletzer of Belmont, MI, and Jason (Tamara) of Grand Rapids, MI. He als! o had the privilege of two grandchildren, Nathan and Owen. Wayne was the fifth child in a family of eight. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Albert and Anna Batts; and his two brothers, Bert and John. Mourning his loss are his four remaining brothers, Len (Jean), Otto (Ruth), Tony (Flossie), Clarence (Linda); and his one sister Margrete (Joe) Balkema. He worked for Balkema Excavating and Allied Mechanical Services until major health complications forced him to take early retirement in 1979. Whereas some men are remembered for their work, Wayne will be remembered for the passion of his faith and his commitment to living a Godly life. He was a Deacon, a member of the Men of Song and a Youth Group Leader, but more importantly, a Christian who never abandoned his convictions regardless of what problems he faced in life. Wayne coped with many trials, some by chance and some by his own hand, but we can all take comfort in knowing that by his passing, he has been ! eased of his burdens. A Memorial Service will be held for Wayne at Tex as Corners Bible Church on Tuesday, May 27 at 11AM. A visitation with friends and family will be held at 10AM with a luncheon to follow the service. All who knew him are encouraged to attend and share in a time of prayer and remembrance. Wayne found great joy in working at and supporting the mission of Camp Barakel in Fairview, MI. Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to Camp Barakel (arranged through family) or to Hospice of Heartland. Collectively, we may have lost a Husband, a Father, a Grandfather, a Brother, an Uncle and a Friend, but by following his examples we can all gain a valuable lesson. For it is through God's Grace that Wayne now spends peaceful eternity in Heaven, and through that same Grace alone may we have the chance to see him again. Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 5/18/2008. (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.