Alan Badten

Alan Badten, long time Withrow resident, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2016, at the age of 87. His family was moving from the Dakotas to Washington State during the dust bowl when he was born on December 7, 1928, to Ernest and Mabel (Dahl) Badten in Grants Pass, Oregon, the third of four children. The family lived briefly in Orondo and Waterville before settling in Withrow, Washington. Alan was introduced to Ethel Berk, of Alstown, by mutual friends. He often said that he didn’t think that a girl as beautiful as Ethel would take a second look at him. They were married in the Withrow Lutheran Church Parsonage on January 17, 1953, and moved into what would be their family home for the next 63 years. The happy, young couple soon welcomed three children into the family. As a dry land wheat farmer and cattle rancher the days were long, but he always found time for fun with his family. He truly enjoyed teaching his children, and later his grandchildren, how to drive, ride horses, motorbikes, and snowmobiles. Special family times were weekends on the boat on Lake Chelan, clam digging at Ocean Shores, and mountain snowmobile trips with friends that were like family. Alan’s generous nature and love for his neighbors and all kids often found him helping, loaning, or gifting to them. On one occasion, he secured permission and gave a neighbor boy, Craig Nollmeyer, a piglet. Craig promptly named his new pig “Alan”. Alan had an incredible wit and way of incorporating fun and laughter into any situation. He had a remarkable memory for details of prior days and years. He attended school in Waterville and Withrow. He was a volunteer fireman, School Board member for Withrow School, member of the Douglas Co. Historical Society, and longtime member of the Lake Chelan Yacht Club. He is survived by his loving wife, Ethel; children: Lou Ann Foged (Jens), Gale Badten (Janice), Linda Keller (Zach); grandchildren: Heather Foged (fiancé Michael Epperly), Adam Foged, Wade Foged (Abby), Tyler Badten (Taerrah), Lance Keller (fiancé Kaley Graybeal); great grandchild: Gideon Foged; brother: Vernon Badten; sister: Vera Hansen; cousin: Harold Badten (Karen); two nieces and one nephew. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Meta Badten, his younger sister Lois Major, and his grandson Lee Alan Badten. Memorials may be made to Waterville Ambulance Fund or Mansfield Ambulance Fund. A celebration of Alan’s life will be held in the Spring of 2017. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

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Alan Badten

December 7, 1928 - November 20, 2016