Photo courtesy of Hultgren Funeral Home and Cremation Center - Wheaton
Nov 20, 1933 - Nov 25, 2018
Our heartfelt sympathy for the Elmer Bathje family,he was a cousin that I didnt often see but he was always a warm and kind person .George Bathje Jr and family.
George Bathje
December 03, 2018 | Port Byron, IL | Family
Bart, Your love and kindness always made a difference in my life.An encouraging word,the gift of acceptance,coming back to the shop with an excuse and then making sure we got to our cars safely. You represent God's grace in so many ways. Your healing presence has meant more than you could know. I think you for all of your prayers and your friendship. I know they will be all the more powerful from the other side. I think of you with great love and appreciation, Diane
Diane Forbes
December 02, 2018 | Fennville, MI | Friend
My heart goes out to the bathje family your husband, father, grandfather is now with the Lord, and I know this for sure!! because he is the ONE Whom was the bedrock in my life and in helping me to come to know our Lord and Savior!!!
It was in third grade Sunday school class back at Glenbard Baptist Church that he Knelt with me in the classroom and prayed to receive the Lord. And then we went upstairs into the small foyer and he gave me some pamphlets to read. One of them was...
Charlie Westberry
November 29, 2018 | Berwyn, IL | Friend
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
The Hultgren Family and Staff
November 26, 2018 | Wheaton, IL
On November 25, 2018, Elmer George Bathje (Bart) was called home to Glory. A caretaker was with him at Autumn Leaves memory care facility. He gripped her arm and stated, “I’m going home”. Minutes later he breathed his last.
Bart lived with Alzheimer's disease for a decade. He recently celebrated his 85th birthday with family in Wheaton, Illinois. He was born to Elmer August and Viola Johnson Bathje on November 20, 1933. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Dorothy Lenca and Ruth Alexander.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Clark Bathje of 56 years. His legacy includes his 3 children: Daniel (Laura), Beth Harnish (Jim) and Andrew (Katie). His 8 grandchildren: Seth, Emily, Josiah, and Mark Thomas; Toby (Lauren) and Bekah Harnish; Phoebe and Lila.
Bart grew up in Broadview, Illinois and served in the United States Army from 1952-1955. Afterward he worked as a hair stylist and owned Beauty By Bart in Wheaton for almost 40 years. He also managed the beauty salon at Windsor Park since it opened. Many of Bart’s joys were spending time with his family, being at his cottage on Green Bay near Menominee, Michigan and participating in his church, Village Green Baptist in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He was a friend to many, always willing to help, offer a listening ear and encouraging smile.
A memorial service will be held on December 1 at Village Green Baptist, 1S440 Lambert Road, Glen Ellyn. Visitation from 10-11 AM with a service and fellowship meal to follow. Private burial at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Elmhurst, IL.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Village Green Baptist Church, AdventureServe Ministries (PO Box 127, Wilmore, KY, 40390), or a Charity of choice.
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