Lynne Batchelder
Lynne Batchelder Lynne Batchelder, 59, of Naubinway, had a long career in real estate and most enjoyed helping families find homes. She was active in many civic organizations. Mrs. Batchelder died Saturday, November 8, 2008, at her home, surrounded by family. She had been ill with cancer.
Born May 2, 1949 in Dowagiac, she was the daughter of Guerda and Lindsley Frenette. As a young child, she moved with her family to Gulliver, where she attended Manistique Area Schools and was graduated with the class of 1967.
She continued her education at Lake Superior State University, where she met John C. Batchelder. In addition to spending a year in Alaska, the couple lived in communities throughout the Upper Peninsula, including Marquette, during their 40 years of marriage.
Mrs. Batchelder followed in the footsteps of her father with a passion for land and real estate, friends said. During her time in Marquette, she founded Select Realty. She held many other positions in real estate and loan brokerages, most recently the regional manager as well as broker for Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty. She loved teaching her craft to others, and a highlight of her career was as an instructor of real estate at Northern Michigan University.
She saw her greatest achievement as helping each individual or family find and secure a home, friends said.
Mrs. Batchelder was involved in Kiwanis Club, Zonta, Rotary, Michigan Association of Realtors, U.P. Association of Realtors, Eastern U.P. Board of Realtors, Marquette Land Builders Exchange, Hiawatha Sportsmen's Club, a local Bible study group, Merchants Association of Naubinway and Engadine, Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum Board of Directors, Mackinac County Economic Development Committee, and Mackinac Habitat for Humanity.
Her clients, friends, and relatives knew her as a person of the utmost integrity, friends said.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, making crafts, tending her flower garden, enjoying the outdoors, and being a confidante.
Mrs. Batchelder is survived by her husband; two daughters and their families, Joan M. Batchelder of Middleton, Wisconsin, and Sharon and Charles Syers of Manistique; six grandchildren and their families, Alan Sims, Ashley Sims, Courtney Syers, Charlie Syers, Jake Syers, and Megan and Darek Thomas, and a great-grandson, Douglas Thomas. She is also survived by her mother, five sisters and their families, Jillonne and Bruce Kauss of Springhill, Florida, Cynthia and Richard Pawley of Manistique, Vicki and Bruce Parker of Dimondale, Julie and Jerry Gregurash of Temple, Texas, and Susan and David Watson of Fayetteville, North Carolina; a brother and his family, L. Charles and Terrie Frenette; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, who died in 2007.
A celebration of her life will be held at Messier-Broullire Funeral Home in Manistique Thursday, November 13, with visitation beginning at 4 p.m. and the service at 7 p.m.
