Josephine Dell Battcher

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arlington, with Fr. Paul Timmerman officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Following the Mass, interment will take place in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, and a fellowship meal will be served in the church social hall to celebrate JoDell’s life.

JoDell was born on January 27, 1935, in Hancock Township, Carver County, to Jim and Mary (Weldon) Bailey. She married Merlin Battcher on April 7, 1956, and was blessed with eight children. Throughout her life, JoDell was a dedicated homemaker, worked at the State Bank of Belle Plaine, and helped Merlin manage their family business.

JoDell’s greatest happiness came from her family, her love of gardening, and her passion for sewing. She and Merlin loved traveling across all fifty U.S. states, and summers often found them camping at Lake Edward. During the winter months, they cherished spending time in Arizona and Mexico. She also treasured moments with her sisters at Lake Edward, where they fished, played cards, and shared stories of their childhood. Her grandchildren were a special presence in her life, often visiting her there and creating many lasting memories. She loved taking one grandchild at a time for secret outings—perhaps to enjoy a favorite treat or help with college expenses, always whispering, “Don’t tell anyone, this is our secret.”  Her heart was immense, her faith unwavering, and her love will stay with us forever.

JoDell is survived by her children: Mona (Jim) Polzin, Mark (Mary) Battcher, Becky (Tim) Dahl, Bobbi (John) Zaske, Michael Battcher, and Shawn (Michelle) Battcher. Her grandchildren include Susie (Jeremy) Noyes, Brian Kamps, Travis (Melissa) Paulsen, Kara Paulsen, Kasey (James) Hornak, Danielle (Troy) Uecker, Merl (Jenny) Battcher, Melissa Battcher, Patrick Alsleben, Mick (Ali) Alsleben, Jeremy (Jenny) Latzke, Brook (Nate) Uecker, Nicole (Jeremy) Otto, Jesse Battcher, Kaitlyn Battcher, Kylee (Tim) Young, Nathan Schweizer, Brittany (Andy) Clark, Thomas Battcher, and Lorraine Battcher, along with 37 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her in-laws Jerry (Patty) Battcher and Judy Engel.

JoDell was preceded in death by her beloved husband Merlin, her parents, infant daughter Dawn, daughter Renee Frary, grandsons Jason Jacobus and Brett Battcher, great grandson Parker Alsleben, and siblings including Isabel (Myron) Farrell, Dennis Bailey, Kathryn (Francis) Bigaouette, Irene (Earl) Madden, Rosemary (Mark) Berger, Helen Meyer, Betty (Francis) Hammers, Theresa Fritz, Shirley (Cyril) Aretz, and Mary (Eugene) Fahey.

JoDell’s kindness, warmth, and devotion to her family will be dearly missed by all who knew her.