Johnie Everett Battles

March 11, 1930 - July 3, 2016

Johnie Everett Battles, son of Frank Raymond Battles and Laura Ann Mull Battles, was born March 11, 1930 in Beaver, Iowa. Johnie died July 3, 2016 at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson, Iowa, with his family by his side at the age of 86 years. Johnie grew up in Greene County and attended Franklin Township School in Cooper, Iowa through the 9th grade. On February 10, 1950, Johnie was united in marriage to Verda Louise Kopaska at the Rippey United Methodist Church in Rippey, Iowa. They were the proud parents of two children: Katherine and Linda. They made their home in rural Jefferson. Johnie began farming and later working at Osmundson Manufacturing in Perry. In 1970, Johnie opened Battles Auto Repair and Towing Service in Jefferson. Johnie and Verda ran the business together with Verda doing books, scheduling appointments and operating the CB radios to inform the wrecker drivers of their next location and customer pick up. Johnie was a very successful mechanic and was respected by many in this field of work. Many mechanics came to Johnie when they had problems and could not find a solution. Johnie was known as the man who could fix anything at a reasonable rate. They retired the shop in 2005 after 35 years and Johnie continued to run the wrecker until 2007. Johnie loved to play cards and dominos. He was always ready to tell a good story or a good joke. He and Verda enjoyed socializing with friends, but most of all enjoyed spending time with family. He was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson. Johnie was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Katherine; grandson Mark Kendall; sisters Ruby Rossmanith and Marjorie Halleen. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Verda Battles of Jefferson, IA; his daughter Linda (Dennis) Battles-Thede of Jefferson, IA; 6 grandchildren: Lewis Kendall, Sam (Amanda) Kendall, Stacey (Meghan) Anderson, Steven (Jane) Anderson, Laura (Marcus) Anderson-Smoot, and Kelly (Adam) Thede-Derry; many great-grandchildren; 2 brothers: Robert (Sandra) Battles of Minneapolis, MN, and Gary (Johnnie) Battles of Oklahoma City, OK; numerous nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends. Memorial Services for Johnie Battles, 86, of Jefferson will be 11:30 am Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson. Burial will take place at a later date in Jefferson Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, July 8, 2016 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church.