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IN MEMORY

Dominick Batassa - Class Of 1944

Dominick Batassa, 87, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 22, 2013, at United Hospital System-Kenosha Campus.

Born in Kenosha on March 20, 1926, he was the son of the late Felix and Mary (Dimeo) Batassa.  A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was educated at Kenosha High School.  Prior to graduating, he left for the armed services to help defend our country.  Dominick, aka Red Fox, enlisted on March 16, 1944, with the United States Army / Air Force.  He served during WWII and was a member of the 40th Bomb Group, 58th Bomb Wing of the 20th Air Force.  He was a Waist Gunner on a B-29 Super Fortress named Angel in DA Skies until he was honorably discharged with a rank of Sergeant on June 8, 1946.

On January 16, 1948, he married the love of his life, Martha Pekkala, in Dubuque, Iowa.  Soon afterward, he started his family journey.

He was a successful automobile salesman for over 35 years, working for local Ford Motor and American Motor dealerships, and then later as an independent automobile appraiser and auto emissions tester until his early retirement.  After his retirement from the automobile industry, he worked part-time as a Bailiff for the Kenosha County Courts.  He finally retired for good in 2005 at the young age of 79.

Dominick was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, VFW Post 1865, Disabled American Veterans and the 40th Bomb Group.  He enjoyed bowling, golfing, watching football and was an avid Packer fan.  He also played semi-pro football for the Kenosha Redskins.

He was a kind and giving person that would always lend a helping hand.  Family was very important in his life.  He bowled and golfed for years.  His bowling and golf partners were often his immediate family and close relatives.  When still able, he was with his family every Sunday morning on the local golf course, followed by a breakfast of Italian Bread and Coffee.  In later years, he replaced his golf clubs for family time watching golf on TV, and more Italian Bread and Coffee!

Dominick is survived by his wife, Martha of Kenosha; five children, Christine Schlater of Kenosha, Marilyn (Earl) Kirchner of Fond du Lac, Daniel (Deborah) Batassa of Kenosha, Donna (John) Leal of Dallas, TX, and Randy (Julie) Batassa of Trevor, WI; twelve grandchildren, Amanda (Mike) Smith, Matthew (Samantha) Kirchner, Mitchell Kirchner, John, Christopher and Kevin Schlater, Kasey and Justin Leal, Bryan (Sandra) Batassa, Jeana Batassa, and Dominick and Malinda Batassa; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Fred (Kay) Batassa of Palm Harbor, FL; a sister, Angela Maurer of Kenosha; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Dominick was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Lenny and Jeffrey; a granddaughter, Catherine Schlater; and a sister, Eleanora Downey.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on November 26, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, followed by interment at St. George Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation was held on November 25 at Proko Funeral Home.