Obituary: Robert Battice, 86, Custer.

September 26, 2017

Robert Battice

Obituary: Robert Battice, 86, Custer.

Robert Francis Battice, 86, of Custer, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2017 at home.

Robert was born on November 30, 1930 in Hart, son of the late James and Christina Battice.

He attended Crystal Valley Schools. He entered into the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served as an engine man on submarines. He was released from active duty in 1952 in Key West, Florida, after his base received a special visit from President Teddy Roosevelt.  Once he returned home, he worked on the S.S. Badger (Lake Michigan Carferry), for a few years.  He later left town to attend Racine Technical Institute in Wisconsin. 

Robert married his loving wife Dorothy Lester on December 6, 1975 in Ludington.  He worked as a meat cutter at Sander’s Meats in Custer, Nelson of Ludington and was also a cemetery sexton at Riverside Township Cemetery for numerous years.  He finally retired in 1982.

His hobbies included fishing, going on trips to the Upper Penninsula, being with his family, his beloved cats and dogs, as well as being in the woods. 

He is survived by his wife of 41 years and children:  Karla Battice of Walhalla, Doreen (Ted) McDaniel of Baldwin, Dana (Ilene) Bozeman of Hart, Pebbles (Arnold) Malstom of Custer; step-children:  Donta (Bobby) Morris of Florida, Tammy (Ken) Mayers of Branch and Tanya Rader (friend, Fred) of Custer; grandchildren: Roberta (Mike) Davis of Walhalla, Robert J. Battice (friend, Alicia) of Walhalla, Jordan Malstrom of Custer, Vada Malstrom of Custer brother: Jerry Battice of Ludington; sister: Arlene (Joe) Dixon of Flint; and numerous great grandchildren, great step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Harold Battice of Hart; sister, Dorothy (Battice) Verschueren of Muskegon; step-grandson, Hunter Parmalee of Custer; his first wife, Marion (Wabsis) Battice; three step-daughters and his lovable dog, Poop 2.

Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at the Custer VFW Gold Post on Saturday, September 30, 2017, starting at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Robert’s family.

To share a photo or memory of Robert’s life with his family and friends, please visit his Book of Memories Page at www.oakgrovefh.com.  The family has entrusted Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington with arrangements.

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