Bernadine ‘Bernie’ Ruth
Dec. 9, 1930 - Jan. 23, 2026
Bernadine “Bernie” Ruth Batenhorst, 95, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at Boone County Health Center, Albion.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, with Rev. Matt Gutowski officiating. Interment will follow at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Wake Service at church.
Levander Funeral Home ofAlbion is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.levanderfuneralhome.com.
Bernadine “Bernie” Ruth Batenhorst was born on Dec. 9, 1930, in Nance County to Charles W. and Doris A. (Reed) Hawthorne. She was raised in the area and graduated from Fullerton High School in 1947. Following her graduation, Bernie worked for two years at Thompson’s Law Office and later as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell in Fullerton.
On Aug. 30, 1950, she was united in marriage to Francis Joseph “Fritz” Batenhorst. The couple made their home on the family farm three miles southeast of Cedar Rapids, where they lived from 1950 until 2004. During those years, Bernie also kept the books for Batenhorst Gravel for a few years. In 2004, she moved into Cedar Rapids.
Bernie was a faithful member of the Methodist Church prior to joining St. Anthony Catholic Church in 1950, where she worshiped devotedly until 2026. She was active in both her church and community, serving as president of the Altar Society, a parish council member, volunteering with the bloodmobile, and working on the election board.
She enjoyed many pastimes, including bowling league, playing cards, reading, and working crossword puzzles, and was affectionately known as “Cookie Grandma” for her love of baking cookies, cinnamon rolls, and cakes. Bernie especially loved her daily walks, often walking two miles a day, weather permitting.
She is survived by her four sons, Don (Helen) Batenhorst of Cedar Rapids, Jim (Sharon) Batenhorst of Cedar Rapids, Bob Batenhorst of Cedar Rapids and Steven Batenhorst of Elkhorn; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and another one arriving shortly; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fritz Batenhorst; an infant daughter; granddaughter, Kelly Lynn Batenhorst; and her siblings, Vivian Kolm, Lyle Hawthorne, Russell Hawthorne, and Larry Hawthorne.