Madella M. Bathke, age 76, of Wells, died on Thursday, March 10, 2005, at Immanuel-St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato, from a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation was held at Bruss – Heitner Funeral Home in Wells on Saturday, March 12, from 5-8 p.m.

Graveside services will be private.

Madella Mae Bathke was born on Aug. 7, 1928, the daughter of Elvin and Ina (Castle) Olson in McCauleyville, Wilkin County.

She lived for several years in Devil’s Lake, N.D., and at age 15, moved with her family to St. Paul.

She attended Cleveland School in St. Paul and a private school, Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson.

On Sept. 23, 1949, Madella married Rodney Wayne &uot;Bud&uot; Bathke at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

Madella was active in her church, United Methodist of Wells.

She sang in the church choir, taught Sunday school and Bible school.

She was a past member of the Ladies Aid.

She belonged to a birthday club that she enjoyed.

Mrs. Bathke was well known in her community for her love of cooking and baking of which she won many awards and traveled far and near with her accomplishments.

She dearly loved the many friends along the way.

She took great pride in entertaining friends and guests but always reserved about her talents.

Music played a great part in her life.

She was an avid reader and together with her family traveled extensively.

Madella was devoted to her family and was always an inspiration to her children and beloved grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, a son, James and his wife Pat Bathke of Wells, and a daughter, Judy Hamson of Frost; five grandchildren, Jennifer and Jaime Hamson and Johnny, Jessica, and Jacob &uot;Sparky&uot; Bathke; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Norman and his wife Phyllis Olson of Stacy, and Kenneth and his wife Vivian Olson of Stacy; a half-sister, Karen and husband Dick Garner of White Bear Lake; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Rodney in 1992; infant son, John Michael; son-in-law, Paul Hamson; and grandson, Jonathan Paul Hamson, in 1993.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.