James R.

Battist

Jim Battist, 83 of Waterloo, WI went home to be with Jesus on March 16, 2026, closing a life dedicated to cultivating the land he loved and working with his cows.

Born on May 29, 1942, to Earl and Evelyn Battist. Jim was baptized into his lifelong faith at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church in Deerfield then later Confirmed in his faith October of 1955.  He began his formal education in a one room school then graduated from Lake Mills High School. After high school, Jim continued his education at UW-Madison completing the Ag Short course and returning to the family farm and farming with his father until taking over the farm.

On July 18, 1964, Jim married the love of his life, Karen.  Jim met Karen when she was called to be the one room school teacher at St. John's Newville.  Together they built the farm into a fully Registered Holstein herd earning production awards and being one of few to sell bulls to overseas operations.  In 1976, Jim and Karen were awarded the Wisconsin State Outstanding Young Farmer award.

Jim grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work and a commitment to family, faith, and community. He served in many offices for his church, St. Paul in Lake Mills. He spent years farming in Waterloo, growing crops and livestock, building a legacy to hand down to his children and grandchildren.

Known for his patience, his skilled hands, and his ability to fix almost anything, Jim was a steward of the earth.  He believed that the good Lord would provide and was known for his dedication to planting seeds of both crops and kindness.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Karen; his children, Jodie (Randy) Bobolz, Wendie Schoeb, and Philip (Deanna) Battist; his grandchildren, Karleena (Keegan Bruins), Marissa (Ian Pahman), and Joshua; Sister Jane (Roger) Schmidt, Brother Jerry (Louise) Battist;  Sister-in-law Jan (Sid) DeLeo, Brother-in-law David (Grace) Stoering; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Evelyn Battist; Sisters, Jean Wiedenfeld, Judy Battist in infancy; Brother-in-law, Don Wiedenfeld; Father-in-law, Elvin Stoering; Mother-in-law, Lydia Stoering; and Son-in-law, Jon Schoeb.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Lake Mills.

Friends may call after 9 a.m. at the church until the time of services.

For livestreaming service please visit https://stpaullakemills.org/live-stream

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church and its Learning Center.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com