Johnnie "Sam" J. Batten

Per his wishes, he will be cremated with a memorial service to be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 26, in the Runge Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m., when the service begins. Memorials may be made to the family, who will disburse to a charity of people in need.

Sam was born on July 12, 1953 in Davenport, Iowa to James and Hilda (Berg) Batten. He was a drywall subcontractor for the majority of his life, but also performed many other construction services. His hobbies and passions were cooking, fishing, and listening to all genres of music. When he was younger, he loved riding motorcycles, specifically Harley Davidson’s. Once, he even rebuilt his Harley in the living room! Sam enjoyed making pottery, including vases and many other items for his family.

Those left to cherish Sam’s memory are his siblings Jane Berg, Jimmy (Dorothy) Batten and Jerry Batten; his children and spouses Samantha (Jeff) Sandifer, Ryan (Ashley) Batten, Eric (Andrea) Batten and Megan Batten. Grandchildren include Johnny Kirschbaum, Nicholas Kirschbaum, Patrick Sandifer, Lindsay Batten, Caiden Batten, Camren Batten, Collen Batten, Laila Martinez, and Quinn Batten. He also has 6 great-grandchildren.

Sam was preceded in death by his dad and mother James and Hilda Batten, his siblings Betty Ann Batten and Jack Batten and by his son John Boy.

The family would like to give thanks to all his friends that have a special place in their hearts for Sam and have been a part of him and his family. We will all cherish, miss and love him. He will now follow the journey he so passionately believed in and be gathered with the loved ones that passed before him.