Obituary: Merlin Batdorff

Merlin Batdorff, of Stockbridge, MI, age 91, passed away on January 9, 2024 in Jackson, MI. Merlin was born on September 11, 1932 in Stockbridge, MI to Irving Smith and Vida (Holland) Batdorff.

Merlin was born, raised, farmed, raised his family, and lived in Stockbridge, MI all his life. He married Kaye M. Poxson on January 3, 1953 in Bunker Hill, MI. Merlin was a farmer and always a hard worker. You could usually find him outdoors working in the fields picking up rocks, pulling weeds, and planting the crops. He was a proud member of the FFA organization. Merlin was a John Deere man. He loved his John Deere tractors. He had a few hobbies that took his interest off of work. One was flying, a hobby he loved, the other was snow skiing on Blind Lake.

Merlin will be missed by the love of his life, Kaye, and they were married for over 70 years; his children, Dawne (Carl) Salow of Pleasant Lake, Jamie Batdorff of Munith, Shane (Kim) Batdorff of Stockbridge; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren; his sister-n-law, Phyllis Batdorff of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his son, Steve; brothers, Rolland and Myron; sisters, Onalee Hartley, Charlotte Teachworth, and Monadden Bradbury.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to SAESA or Ingham Co. Meals on Wheels. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.