Obituaries

Robert James Batho Sr., age 78, of Pickford, Michigan, died at his home surrounded by family
on Thursday, April 23, 2026. He was born on October 24, 1947, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to
Kenneth and Frances (Lapish) Batho.

Bob was raised in Pickford and graduated from Pickford High School with the Class of 1965. He
proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Enterprise from January 1967 to
January 1971. On March 7, 1970, he married Delores “Dodie” Klosterman, and together they
began their family. Following his service, he worked as a postal carrier for the United States
Postal Service for 34 years.

Bob was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Barbeau, Michigan, the American
Legion Post 3 in Sault Ste. Marie and the Tone Road Lions Club.

Bob loved hunting, fishing, golfing and camping. Above all else, he cherished spending time
with his family, especially attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and cheering them on.

Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dodie Batho; son, Robert James (Kaye) Batho Jr. and
Christopher James (Memory) Batho, both of Pickford; grandchildren, Lance Robert Batho, Drew
Robert Batho, Luke Richard Batho and Olivia Grace Batho; sister, Judith (Edward) Kocks of
Freeland, Michigan; brothers, William (Betsy) Batho of Lenoire, Tennessee and Donald Kenneth
(Kathy) Batho of Knoxville, Tennessee; sisters, Mary (Richard) Storey of Pickford and Frances
“Sas” (David) Miller of DeTour, Michigan; brother, Larry (Linda) Batho of Knoxville; brother-
in-law, Gene Olson of Fargo, North Dakota; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces
and nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Frances; his infant brother, Kenneth
Batho; his parents-in-law, Roland and Catherine Klosterman; and his sister-in-law, Donna Olson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Bob’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may
be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.