John Badje, 1924-2014

Published 9:42 am Friday, October 17, 2014

Funeral services for John W. Badje Jr. will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea and again one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in Salem Memorial Cemetery near Lake Mills.

John Badje

John William Badje passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014. He was 90.

John was born in Bancroft, Iowa, on Aug. 3, 1924, to John and Lena Badje. He grew up on a farm near Rake, Iowa.

John was united in marriage to Arelly Scarff on Sept. 11, 1946. They celebrated 68 wonderful years together. They were blessed with three daughters, Jan, Karen and Tammy. They were raised on the farm in rural Thompson, Iowa.

John loved his family and worked hard his entire life. He farmed until 1984. Then they moved to Albert Lea where he mowed lawns and worked as a janitor at the Eagles. He loved animals and spending time with his Eagles family. He was loved by all — his smile and laugh were contagious. John and Arelly loved to dance. He loved to visit and make new friends. He touched many hearts and has left a huge void.

John is survived by his wife, Arelly; daughters Janice (Dick) Thomas of Palm Springs, Calif., Karen Badje of Hartland and Tammy (Joe) Kesler of Albert Lea; grandchildren Michelle Oeth, Angie Flo, Mike Flo and Joshua Kesler; great-grandchildren Tyler, Kaitlyn, Madison, Caleb, Ryan, Marisa, Samantha and Travis; great-great-grandchild, Emerson; brothers Carl (Jo Ann) Badje of Blue Earth and Joseph (Mary) Badje of Rake; sister, Bertha Irons, of Buffalo Center, Iowa; sister-in-law, Janice Badje; son-in-law, Gerald Wayne Flo; and special friends Ginger Fonza and Bill Lauer.

John is preceded in death by his parents John and Lena; sisters Jennie Swalve and Josie Head; brother, Lawrence Badje; great-granddaughter, Savannah Manley; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.