Wauseon Loses Rich Batdorf, Long-Time Friend of the Community

It is with humbled sorrow that the WDA learns of the sudden passing of Rich Batdorf. An impassioned member and CPA to the Wauseon Downtown Association, Rich was not only a member, but a friend to the entire community. This is highlighted by the following excerpt from his obituary:

“With a strong desire to serve his community, Rich engulfed himself in activities. He served on the city council, Homecoming committee, Cruise Night committees, and Ironwood Golf Club board of directors. He was a Rotary President and Paul Harris Fellow, Homecoming Grand Marshall, Wauseon Development Committee member, the Wauseon Downtown Association member, Tournament Director for the Jon P. Spiess Memorial Collegiate Golf Tournament, Elks officer and member of the Fulton County HeartRadiothon board of directors. For many years he served as the auditor for the annual Wauseon Homecoming Queens Pageant. He attended the former Wauseon Evangelical Mennonite Church, now Crossroads Evangelical.

Anyone who met Rich, soon heard of his love of sports and support for local and college teams. As INTV sports director, he broadcast numerous area games and tournaments. He was part of the stadium broadcast duo each Friday night at the Wauseon football games. He also proudly represented INTV on the field at his beloved OSU football games.

However, Rich held family as the dearest of all. He and Susan celebrated 44 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children, Stacia and Tyson, and five grandsons, who were the light of his life. Family times were so special to him.”

The Wauseon Downtown Association is forever indebted to Rich for his undying passion, faithful community support, guidance, and mostly his friendship. Our members, and our city, are still stunned by his passing. We will do our very best to continue his legacy through our organization. We lend our hearts, prayers, and support to his family. God’s favor on each of you.