Eugene Batz

Eugene Merle Batz

October 11, 1937 - April 24, 2025

Eugene Merle Batz, age 87, passed away peacefully at home and went to be with his Lord and Saviour on April 24, 2025. He was born on October 11, 1937, to Merle and Marjorie (Archer) Batz and spent nearly his entire life on a farm near Lytton, Iowa-a place he dearly loved and devoted himself to.

After graduating from high school, Eugene answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, when he met the love of his life, Izetta Morgan of Grand Junction, Iowa. They were married on September 8, 1957, and began a journey together that spanned more than six decades.

Following his honorable service, Eugene returned to Iowa, and in 1964 he began his lifelong vocation of farming. He took immense pride in his work, believing that anything worth doing was worth doing right. His commitment to excellence carried through every aspect of his life-from tending his land to crafting beautiful woodworking pieces.

In 2016, Eugene and Izetta retired and moved to Shawnee, Kansas, and later to Bonner Springs, Kansas, where he spent his remaining years. Though he left the farm, he never lost his deep love for the land, his tools, or his faith.

Eugene had a wide range of interests, but his greatest joys were his family, his faith, and his farm. He was a devoted member of his Bible study group and found peace and inspiration in the hymns he loved-his favorite being Life Is Like a Mountain Railroad. He was also a licensed pilot and cherished the freedom of flying his Piper Cherokee across the Iowa skies.

A man of integrity, warmth, and quiet strength, Eugene will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, his gentle wisdom, and the love he shared with all who knew him.

Surviving him are his beloved wife, Izetta of Bonner Springs, Kansas; his son, Douglas (Robin) Batz of Lytton, Iowa; his daughter, Rebecca (Chris Wedeman) Batz of Bonner Springs, Kansas; grandchildren Channing (Brittany) Batz of St. Louis, Missouri; Camellia Godwin (Lucas Burns) of Dayton, Iowa; Raeann (Jason) Kirsch of Dakota City, Iowa; Seth (Cecelia Lino) Bartels of Bonner Springs, Kansas; and Shane Bartels (Jessica Reese) of Bonner Springs, Kansas; Phillip Wedeman of Olathe, Kansas; as well as 13 cherished great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Batz; his parents, Merle and Marjorie Batz; and his brother, Arlo Batz.
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Graveside services will be held at a later date.

Eugene's legacy of faithfulness to family, devotion to Christ, and his integrity will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know him. May his memory bring comfort and joy to those whose lives he touched so deeply.