Joseph Sigmund Bathalter, Jr., age 75, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2014 in Apopka, Florida. Joe was born in Chicago, IL and is survived by his wife, Geralyn Miller and her daughter, Jamie Conmey; his four children - Lisa Bathalter Van Horn, Tresa Bathalter Watson, Tedd Bathalter Gagen, Joseph Sigmund Bathalter III, and their mother, Joyce Fortune Bathalter; his brothers - Tom Bathalter and Mike Bathalter, and Paul Godes, his cousin that was truly another "little brother"; his eight grandchildren - Michelle Van Horn Bloss, Tyler Van Horn, Max Gagen, Charlie Watson, Theo Gagen, Jack Watson, Bella Gagen and Bella Bathalter; and his son in-laws, Hart Van Horn and Bill Watson.
Joe was a blessing and gift to whoever was fortunate enough to make his acquaintance. Joe's embracement of the joy of giving and his zest for living life to its fullest was astonishing to everyone in his company. Joe's upbringing was heavily invested in and strongly influenced by the time he spent on the family farm in Delmar, Iowa run by Paul Godes, Sr. and his wife, Joe's second Mom, Anna Mae Bathalter Godes and her sister, Josephine Bathalter - affectionately referred to as "Dodo", by his children.
Joe was a brilliant man and marched to the beat of his own drum. He was a farmer, a pilot, a lender to small businesses, an entrepreneur, a coal miner, a general contractor (as is Joe 3) and a pawn broker. There was nothing that Joe wanted to do that he could not; he simply had to choose where to focus, and he never abandoned his lifelong philosophy of giving and caring to those less gifted in the process.
Joe will be missed by his friends and family immeasurably, but also by those who looked to him for leadership, guidance, comfort and kindness - resources he had an unlimited supply of by the grace of God.
Gifts of condolences and honors of memoriam can be sent to the Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6606 Maplecrest Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46835 (260) 485-5122 where Joe will be interred at the rose garden in his honor.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2014, at the Epiphany Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne. The time will be announced as soon as possible.
Thank you to all for your kind thoughts, prayers and compassion during this most difficult time for Joe's family and friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751. (407) 695-CARE(2273).