Theodora "Teddie" Ellen (Steege) Batzer

Theodora Ellen (Steege) Batzer, 94, of Athens passed away July 1, 2023.

She was born in Pine Island, Minnesota to Alice (Wilson) and Theodore Steege. After Teddie graduated from Pine Island High School, she attended the University of Minnesota and earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. Teddie fostered a love of learning in her family and community.  She taught Home Economics in Caledonia, MN. After starting a family with Harold Batzer, she moved to Grand Rapids, MN for 7 years. She returned to teaching in 1964 while residing in New Brighton, MN until she retired. She started a 4-H club there and taught hundreds of young 4-Hers to sew over many years. She also was active at Christ the King Lutheran Church where she taught 4th grade Sunday school with Harold for over 20 years and sponsored a school for girls in Tanzania. Teddie enjoyed cooking, sewing and needlework. She won a first-place ribbon for her Scandinavian sweater at the Minnesota State Fair and made cross stitch wedding announcements for countless nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Teddie loved to travel and camp with Harold. She visited every U.S. state and almost 50 countries on 6 continents. After Harold died in 1997, she continued to travel with her friends. Teddie moved to Athens Georgia in 2008, where she became an active member at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  She took continuing education classes, and regularly attended book club, water aerobics, and Bible studies. Teddie never stopped loving the world and embracing new experiences.

She is survived by her sister Juanita Miller and brother Alan Steege, her children Ellen Batzer Conover, Darold Batzer, Jean Carlson Batzer, her grandchildren Mariah Keko, Alice Conover, Ted Conover, Brant Batzer, Ross Batzer, Alex Carlson, Nina Carlson, Hannah Carlson, and 10 great grandchildren. Predeceased relatives include her sister Carol Peterson.

A memorial service for Teddie will be held on Saturday, July 8th, at 11:00 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 800 West Lake Dr., Athens, GA 30606. Memorials can be sent to Holy Cross to help support their program to feed homeless families.