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, Anaias, Sarina, Mayah, Astin, and Jayda 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.
