Eugene "Gene" Arthur Battist

On April 2, just nine days after his 94th birthday, Eugene Arthur Battist of Harshaw passed away at the Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff. Born on March 24, 1931, in Waterloo, to the late Irvin and Catherine (Hanson) Battist, Gene lived a life marked by service, dedication, and a deep love for his family and community.

Gene’s commitment to service began early. In May 1951, he enlisted in the Army, becoming the fourth of his brothers to serve during wartime. He served honorably in South Korea, rising to the rank of sergeant first class before his discharge in February 1953.

Returning to civilian life, Gene pursued higher education, earning a bachelor of education degree from Stout University in 1957. He shared his passion for learning by teaching industrial arts at Lakeland Union High School and Appleton East High School.

A significant chapter of Gene’s life began in 1965 when he joined Northcentral Technical College (NTC), where he met his wife, Bettyann. They married a year later and dedicated the next 28 years to working side-by-side at the college. Gene furthered his own education, earning a master’s degree from UW-Stout, and together, he and Bettyann became staunch advocates for higher education, sponsoring an annual scholarship for deserving NTC students.

The couple made their home in Marathon for many years, later moving to Wausau before Gene’s retirement in 1992. Retirement allowed Gene to fully embrace his passion for their cherished cottage on Big Bearskin Lake in Harshaw, which he meticulously renovated. He and Bettyann made Harshaw their permanent home upon her retirement in 1999.

Gene’s dedication to service continued in his retirement. He volunteered with the Lifeline program at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau and later at Howard Young Hospital in Woodruff. He and Bettyann also shared a love for travel, exploring Europe, Central and South America, Canada, and the United States. They were avid snowmobilers for nearly 40 years, venturing across the upper Midwest, Canada, Yellowstone, and Maine.

However, Gene’s annual fishing trip to Temple Bay Resort in Eagle River, Ontario, held a special place in his heart. For 25 years, he made this pilgrimage, initially with Bettyann and later with his sons, Tim and Robb.

Gene’s pride in his military service was profound. He cherished his 2013 Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington D.C. and proudly participated in the Minocqua Fourth of July parade alongside fellow veterans.

A quiet and unassuming man with strong convictions, Gene was deeply respected by his colleagues and his friends. Above all, he treasured his home on Big Bearskin Lake, where countless family memories were made with his children and grandchildren.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he remained a loyal supporter of the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin Badgers. He wasn’t always happy with them, but he remained a top fan. His love of sports extended to his children and grandchildren, passionately cheering them on from their earliest school days through their college years.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Catherine Battist, and his siblings, Leone Niebler, Charles Battist, Wilbur Battist, Norman Battist, and Marion Kozma. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Bettyann, of Harshaw; his son Tim (Karen) of Beloit, and grandsons Matthew and Paul (Micheala); his son Robb (Christine) of Maple Grove, Minn., grandsons Alexander and Harrison; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua, followed by the service. Interment will take place at the Ascension Lutheran Church Columbarium, with full military honors presented by the American Legion Honor Guard. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be directed to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in Wausau or Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.