Richard John Batzel

Richard John Batzel, called "Dick" by friends and family, died at age 73 while at home on the morning of November 3, 2021. His wife Ruth, of 48 years, and son Dustin, were at his side when he passed. Born October 9, 1948 in Rochester, MN to Arno and Agnes (O'Neil) Batzel, Dick spent his childhood growing up in the Chatfield community and graduated from Chatfield High School in 1967. In 1969, he was drafted into the US Army and spent two years stationed in Anchorage, AK before returning to Minnesota. He married Ruth Ann Exe on May 12, 1973, and they settled in Rochester to raise a family. During his adult life, Dick was an over-the-road trucker who was predominantly self-employed, however, he finished his career in 2014 at Midwest Specialized Transport. In his free time, Dick enjoyed grilling, fishing trips, seeing his four grandkids, and spending time with friends and family. Dick is preceded in death by his parents Arno and Agnes Batzel and half-brother Pat O'Neil. He will be greatly missed and is survived by his wife, Ruth Batzel, his three siblings Ann (Rollie) Lambrecht, Bob (Teresa) Batzel, George (Lori) Batzel, his two sons Jason (Gretchen) and Dustin (Krista), and his four grandchildren: Ashley, Jacob, Hayden and Sylvia, along with many nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held at 11am on Monday, November 8 at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW in Rochester, MN. Visitation prior to the service from 9-11am. Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery, Chatfield, MN with full military honors conducted by the Chatfield VFW Post 6913. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be given to donor's choice. The funeral service will also be live streamed at www.facebook.com/Ranfranzandvine/ Direct link to video: https://www.facebook.com/1859425134319706/videos/1249714032209761/?__so__=channel_tab&__rv__=all_videos_card Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Batzel family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com