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John Battenberg Obituary

Battenberg, John Nelson
Sculptor, Painter, Educator 3 Dec 1931 - 8 Jul 2012. John Battenberg passed away Sunday, July 8, after a lengthy illness. Born in Wisconsin in 1931, John did his undergraduate work at various mid-western universities. He also attended the Ruskin School at Oxford University for two years and received MFA degrees from both Michigan State University and The California School of Arts and Crafts. John was a Professor of Sculpture at San Jose State University and held the title of Professor Emeritus. He also lectured and served as an artist-in-residence at colleges and universities worldwide. John completed many large commissions, both public and private, spanning the United States and Europe. His work can be found in museums, galleries, private collections and universities. John is well known for his sculptures of North American wildlife and also for "The Pilot Series." In 1999, John completed an intense 2-year project, "The Procession:" gates for a private residence made up of intricately sculpted bronze panels mounted on cast aluminum, and spanning a massive 14 feet. He considered them his most monumental work. In 2000, he was honored with a "Distinguished Alumni" award from St. Cloud University. John continued to produce outstanding work until the end of his life, most recently developing a unique liquid-layering painting process. The consensus among those who have seen this work is that the paintings truly look "three dimensional." Commenting on his artistic journey, John had this to say: "One can look at my bio, and see that I am fortunate to have had a first-class education and a long list of formidable colleagues and acquaintances that have crossed my path, and me, theirs. I was also fortunate enough to lock in and gain a solid creative direction in my early thirties, when I started experimental sculpture using foundry techniques. My pursuits were the symbols and thoughts of the lost dreams of America. I do think the message was heard." Most recently residing in Scottsdale, Arizona, John is survived by his wife, Lynn; son, Sigurd; grandsons, Austin and Jason; Great-grandson, Ethan; stepson, Sean; brother, Jim; and countless friends, students and colleagues. A reception celebrating the life of John Battenberg will be held: Sunday, July 22, 2012, 2:00 - 5:00 pm, Cattle Track Artist Studios,
6105 Cattle Track Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jul. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for John Battenberg

Not sure what to say?





Valerie G Matonis

July 9, 2022

This is a message for Linn:
We miss seeing you. We hope your life is good.
Love, Val

Mark

February 25, 2021

Battenburg was a pretty wild guy. I know, because he cast some of his first Bronze at my Mother's Metal Foundry in San Jose, California in 1969. I was 12. But, I watched the Foundry folks do some extremely dangerous things. One night casting, they get a "Leaker". The "investment casting fixture" which holds the art piece failed and a hot stream of liquid Bronze spurted from the casting making a 3 foot arc of metal (about an 1 1/2" in diameter) Splattering onto the floor sending droplets of liquid metal bouncing around the floor. I was terrified standing only 10 feet from the action. Any one of those liquid droplets would immediately burn into your arm or your face because the melting of bronze is about 2,200 Fahrenheit (about 100 times hotter than boiling water).
Now, the tradition of Mom's Foundry was; everyone gets drunk, then casts the metal, then drinks some more. Tonight the leaker was the highlight, but what Battenburg did next will live in my mind as the most reckless or perhaps the guttiest thing I'd seen a Man do in my life. He ran to the casting fixture, spun a military 180, then performed an expert back kick with the bottom of his cowboy shoes right at the ofending hole. When he dropped his leg to catch his balance, the leak had stopped. John did this entire maneuver while holding a half full glass of wine.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Valerie Matonis

Planted Trees

Valerie Matonis

July 9, 2020

We still miss this bright star!
All of our love to Lynn, Val and Greg Matonis

Valerie Matonis

July 9, 2019

On this anniversary of John's passing- We miss the man and we will miss his art. Love to Lynn.

Peter Gauci

August 4, 2012

Dear Lynn:
I knew, with heavy heart, when I received your letter that it would say John had passed on. But I thank you both for your friendship. I met John in a very unorthodox way via his phone call to L.L.Bean and later I had the pleasure to meet him when he came to Maine and stayed as our guest for the night. Thank you for enclosing the photo of us two together. I'll treasure it. When I came to visit you in CA and AZ you were kind to me beyond words. I am still, and always will be, thrilled and humbled that he thought enough of me to include me on "The Gates" and also to include me as one of his "100 Heads" project. He really was one of a kind and I treasure his memory and his friendship despite our being on separate sides of the political aisle! Many heated discussions over that!
Laurie sends her condolences and we will pray for you both and thank God for giving us the joy of knowing you.

Peter Gauci
Scarborough, ME

August 3, 2012

Lynn,
Honey, I'm so sorry.
Please call or email. Love, Val Matonis
[email protected]

Bev Berrish

July 30, 2012

Hi Lynn, just wanted to say at this sad time, if you ever wanted me to come visit in Ariz. Let me know. Your old friend Beverly. This is my email if you want to keep in touch. [email protected]

David Ogle

July 29, 2012

Hi Lyn. I just heard of John's passing. My heartfelt condolences. I am sad to not have had a chance to tell John of his tremendous influence on my life before he passed. I didn't even know he had been ill for a long time. I haven't talked to Alan for the past couple years since I quit showing w/ The Art Foundry Gallery in Sacto. I hope you are doing well. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Hugs, David [email protected] 408-8938133

Bev Berrish

July 29, 2012

Dear Lynn, thank You for all you were to him and all you did for him. He truly loved You Dear. Love and Good Memories. Bev

Kevin O'Donovan

July 24, 2012

Sigurd, Beverly, Ruth, Stuart, Went on line this morning to view some more of you dad's sculpture and art, unfortunatly ran into a sad situation. All 4 of you taught me an aweful lot about appreciating art, sculpture and creativity (Beverly). So sorry to hear about this. Sigurd, your dad was a legend
Kevin O'Donovan
[email protected]

Barbara Rogers

July 19, 2012

Dear Lynn,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of John. From being on the faculty with him at San Jose State to all the laughing we did on the trip to Cuba; I will always have fond memories of him!
I am so very sorry for your loss!
Hugs,
Barbara

Mark Switlik

July 18, 2012

Hi Lyn; So sorry to hear about John. I enjoyed being his studio neighbor and the dinners at your house. He was such a talent and didn't mind sharing.

Mark Switlik

michael and Gloria D'Amrosi

July 15, 2012

So sorry Lyn, J0hn had a long productive life, He really seemed to care about people. Gloria and I respected him and enjoyed both of you two up at the san jose mountians.Try and stay tuff and keep busy, it helps.Michael and Gloria

marc dambrosi

July 15, 2012

One of a kind!!! You always knew where ya stood w/ John. He was always more than generous w/ me and his friends, if he liked ya, ya knew it,if he didn't ya knew that too. His art speaks for itself..I will miss him...

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