Frank W. Batzinger

Frank W. Batzinger, 89, of Altamont, died on Monday, 16 May 2011. Born on 18 October 1921, he was the son of the late Ferdinand and Anna Batzinger of Schenectady. Mr. Batzinger graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1940, following which he joined the General Electric Apprentice Course for Tool and Die. In 1942, he joined the Navy and was trained as a Naval Flight Navigator. He was discharged and rejoined General Electric as a tool designer. In 1958 he transferred to Steam Turbine Piping as a steam piping draftsman at GE and retired after 43 years of service in 1984. Mr. Batzinger was predeceased by Herta, his beloved wife of 54 years whom he married in 1946. Together they raised six children, and took pride in seeing each of them finish college. He was also blessed by 11 grandchildren who regularly came to visit him despite the fact that they spanned the globe. He greatly enjoyed trips with family members to Singapore, Thailand, Italy and Austria. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and hunting. His grandchildren often marveled how fit he was to be able to deer hunt even at the age of 80. His greatest pride came from the record 16-point trophy deer he shot in 1942. Similarly, he truly loved the times spent fishing with family and friends. He was an active ice fishing enthusiast even as an octogenarian. Frank has always been an active member of the community. He was a daily communicant at Christ the King Church in Guilderland. He also cherished his years of volunteer service at St. Lucy's Catholic Church in Altamont, the Pyramid Life Center in Paradox and the Lady of Mercy Nursing Home in Guilderland. The incubator he build in 1968 is still used at the 4-H exhibit at the Altamont Fair. He is survived by his children, Joanne, Bill, Bob, Lin, Chuck and Tom and by his grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 19, 2011 from 4 to 8 PM at the Fredendall Funeral Home, Altamont. The Parish Family of Christ the King Church will gather at 4:30 PM for a service of Prayer and Remembrance. All are Welcome. A Mass of Christian Burial held at 10 AM on Friday May 20, 2011 at Christ the King Church, Guilderland followed by an interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank's memory to Christ the King Church.