B. Niles Batdorf, 98, went to be with his Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015 in Golden Valley, Minnesota.
Niles was born April 3, 1917 in Maple Plain, Minnesota to Niles and Mary (Scheer) Batdorf. He graduated from Minnehaha Academy in 1935. He then attended the North Park College and the University of Minnesota, first completing his B.S. in 1939 and then completing his M.D. in 1943.
Niles served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a battalion surgeon in Europe. He met his future wife, Berit Hegland, in Norway while he was stationed there after the war. Niles and Berit were married April 24, 1948.
They raised four children together: Randi, Julie, Niles, and Lisa.
Niles established his medical practice in Mankato, Minnesota and practiced there for 35 years.
Niles also found satisfaction in serving in his church, North Mankato Covenant, as organist, Sunday School teacher, and church chairman. Niles was a kind, compassionate, and wise man who loved Jesus with his whole heart.
He stated that his most fulfilling medical experiences were those during his service in World War II and during his shortterm missionary service in Kenya. Niles lived what most would call an exceptionally good life and was an exceptionally good man, but he would be the first to say that his goodness was not his own: it was Christ living in him. His example of a life lived by faith in Jesus Christ is a legacy that he passed on to his children and grandchildren as they serve the Lord he loved here and abroad.
Niles would gladly say with the Apostle Paul, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Niles is survived by his wife of 67 years, Berit; children Randi (Sam) Edelstein of Leon, Mexico, Julie (Ralph) Seelke of Duluth, Niles (Patricia) of Duluth, Lisa (Ken) Geis of Eden Prairie; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Memorial Service was Sept. 4 at Covenant Village of Golden Valley – Fellowship Center in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Samaritan’s Purse.
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