STRATHAM — Gerald "Jerry" Miles Batchelder, 84, died Oct. 29, 2009, at his home after a period of failing health. He was born June 4, 1925, in Exeter and grew up in Hampton Falls, son of the late Wallace and Florence (Powers) Batchelder.

Gerald graduated from the Hampton Academy. He enlisted into the United States Army during World War II and served from 1943-1945. He was discharged as a private first class sharpshooter rifleman and was a recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He later attended the University of New Hampshire and Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. He was hired at the University of New Hampshire in 1953, and was a civil engineering professor at the Thompson School of Applied Science for many years.

He was a longtime resident of Stratham with his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Barker) Batchelder. He was active in the community as a member of the Stratham Community Church, the Stratham Historical Society, the Stratham 76ers, the Stratham Conservation Commission, the New Hampshire Friendship Chorus, the Rockingham Choral Society, and the American Society for Testing Materials.

He is survived by his wife and six children, David Batchelder and Paula Gates of Stratham, Richard and Jackie Batchelder of Bristol, Donald Batchelder and Patty Bennett of Ridgway, Colo., Allan Batchelder of Stratham, Laura Batchelder and Ted Lagueux of Berwick, Maine, and James Batchelder and Richard Hamilton of Copalis Beach, Wash.; and 12 grandchildren, Alisha, Kate, Erika, Joshua, Meagan, Mandi, Tyler, Jordan, Colin, Kelsey, Meade, Nathan; and five great-grandchildren, Nathan, Katherine, Emma, Ian, and Aaron.

Memorial visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, from 4-7 p.m. at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St. Exeter.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m., at the Stratham Community Church, 10 Emery Lane, Stratham. The Rev. David Dodge and Rev. Andrew Gilman will officiate.

Burial with military honors will follow at the Westview Cemetery, Hampton Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Seacoast Hospice, 10 Hampton Road, Exeter, NH 03833.

To sign an online guest book, please visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book

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

Published by Foster's Daily Democrat from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Batchelder

3 Entries

Nancy Barker Sims

November 5, 2009

Our condolences to Betty and the family. I have fond memories of Cousin Jerry; as my Sunday School teacher, math tutor, and as transportation to UNH to do research at the campus library during Christmas break many years ago. Jerry was a man of many talents. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Edgar Gagnon

November 1, 2009

Dick was a dear friend and a great worker.I will miss him.My condolences to Avis and family.

Betty Batchelder Hart

October 31, 2009

Our condolences to the family. Bob and were talking about Gerry this summer. He was a nice man and nice cousin.

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