Martha (Pekkala) Batassa, 92, of Kenosha, WI passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 25. She was born March 3, 1929, in Herman, MI, to the daughter of the late August and Sylvia (Mannila) Pekkala. She married the love of her life, the late Dominick Batassa, on January 16, 1948. Martha was a successful businesswoman, beginning her early career in banking at the American State Bank, where she served as a mortgage loan officer. At retirement, she had achieved the position of Assistant Vice President. She was admired and respected for her organization, accuracy, and attention to detail. Not only was she dedicated to her career, but she raised a wonderful family, who only further enriched her life. Martha was happiest spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed bringing her whole family together for coffee and Sunday morning breakfast. Martha enjoyed riding the bus with Dominick to the casino; all the passengers would listen while he serenaded her and others. The festivals hosted by Mt. Carmel Church were some of Martha’s favorite events. Just before her passing she asked her children when the next spaghetti dinner was. Above all else, she cherished spending time with her grand and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her children, Christine Schlater, Marilyn (Earl) Kirchner, Dan (Deborah) Batassa, Donna (John) Leal, and Randy (Julie) Batassa; grandchildren, John, Christopher, and Kevin Schlater, Matthew (Samantha) Kirchner, Amanda (Mike) Smith, Mitchell Kirchner, and Bryan (Cynthia Montejano) Batassa, Jeana Batassa; Kasey and Justin (Lauryn Donahue) Leal; Dominick and Malinda Batassa, her great grandchildren, Karley Knott, Layla and Ben Smith, Adelia, Doron, Anias, Sarina, Mayah, Astin, and Jada Kirchner, and one more on the way, due in November, from Bryan (Cynthia) Batassa; Martha is further survived by her sister Agnes Eisler, brother and sister in law Fred and Kay Batassa; sister-in-law Angela Maurer and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her children, Jeffery and Leonard Batassa; her sister, Irma Perry; and her granddaughter Catherine Schlater. Visitation will take place Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel at 9:30 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at St. George Cemetery. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th Street Kenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Martha’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Alexis Timmons
July 31, 2021
To the family of Mrs. Batassa: My sincerest condolences. May the God of all comfort be with you during your time of mourning. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4. Take care.
Carl Eisler
July 31, 2021
So many memories from driving to Kenosha from Waukegan in our 5-12 ages. Always up Lewis Avenue. Took so long! Have many pictures for rememberancess of that and Hawkins added. With love from Carl and Donna Eisler.
Lois and Tom Bernhardt.
July 29, 2021
Spent so much time with Martha and Dom during their many trips to Florida to visit Fred And Kay. Many enjoyable dinners and conversations. She had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. She will be remembered for her business savvy but her greatest legacy is her beautiful family. What a true lady. Tom and Lois Bernhardt.
Bill Hawkins
July 29, 2021
Aunt Martha was a wonderful mother and Aunt! She always had a smile and made me feel part of the family whenever I was lucky enough to be near her and the Batassa family! My prayers are with the family! Love to all of you, Bill
David Lauer
July 28, 2021
Dan and Randy,Our sympathies at the passing of your mother. How proud she must have been of all of her wonderful family. May the fact that she is in peace, reunited with your Dad, bring you comfort and peace as you carry on her loving tradition.David & Marilyn Lauer