Robert P. Batchelder

HAWARDEN, IOWA ~ Robert Preston Batchelder, 62, of Hawarden, entered eternal rest on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden with Pastor Carolyn Salberg officiating. Private family inurnment will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden. Visitation with the family will begin at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. at the Porter Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Robert Batchelder was born October 26, 1963, in Hawarden, Iowa, to James Gene and Carol Jean (Lockwood) Batchelder. He was baptized in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron, Iowa on December 22, 1963. Robert attended West Sioux Community Schools where he graduated in 1982, then pursued a degree at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Livestock Management, graduating in 1983.

Robert shared 10 years of marriage with Michelle Edmunds, making their home in Ireton, Iowa. To this union, 2 children were born, Amanda Mae Batchelder and Alexandria Jean Batchelder. Robert was employed at the COOP in Ireton before transitioning to work for the city of Ireton. During this time, he was a volunteer fireman and completed the police academy in Des Moines, Iowa eventually becoming a police officer for the city of Ireton. In 1995, Robert took a position at the grain elevator in Hawarden.

Robert began working at Hillcrest Health Care Center in the maintenance department in Hawarden until he retired in 2009. This is where he met his future wife, Kathy Jean Small. Robert and Kathy married on August 6, 2005. They made their home in Hawarden where they were actively involved in the United Methodist Church until Kathy passed away peacefully January 31, 2020.

Robert enjoyed spending time managing his Courier service and assisting with Boyer Fireworks during the summer. Robert also took great pleasure in helping Randy Van Wyhe during the harvest season. He was also a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 1865 where he served as the secretary. The FOE brought immense joy to Robert by organizing social events and strengthening the foundation of the business during its renewal.

Most of all, Robert loved his children, grandchildren, and all the people he met. He is survived by his parents, James and Carol Batchelder; his sister, Robin (James) Block; daughters, Amanda Batchelder and Alexandria (Travis) Osterkamp; 3 stepdaughters, Royale Andrews, Brandie (Levi) Backes, and Amber (Chris) Minor; grandchildren, Rhetley Osterkamp, Kasey Andrews, Reece Andrews, Colin Backes, Wyatt Backes, Ciara Backes, and Nash Minor; Kathy’s parents, Gayland and Selma Small; a nephew, Logan Block and niece, Jordan (Tyler) Van Voorst and children as well as several other extended family members from Kathy’s family.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Batchelder; his paternal grandparents, Leo and Francis Batchelder; his maternal grandparents, John Lockwood and Wilma Kulvik; and other loved family members.