Janesville, WI - Larry Clayton Batten, born on September 25, 1936, in Pleasantville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 89. A retired gentleman of quiet dignity and enduring values, Larry lived a life marked by love, integrity and dedication to his family.

Larry was the beloved son of the late Earl Morket Batten and Alys Bertine Batten. He grew up on the farm upon which he was born, working the land alongside his parents and raising animals. He had a special relationship and bond with his sister Helen, who participated in raising Larry, since she was 7 years his senior.

After graduating from Pleasantville High School, Larry joined the work force in numerous endeavors, finally settling in as a manager in retail sales for the Wohl Shoe Company. Due to his fine work for the company, his was transferred numerous times to establish new stores. During his early years in Des Moines, Iowa, Larry met and married Ann Louise Bingham, with whom he shared many cherished years. Together they built a life filled with warmth and happiness. York, Pennsylvania was home when children Lawrence Hugh and Lori Elizabeth were born.

Janesville, Wisconsin was Larry’s home for the final 53 years of life. There he enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, boating, mushroom hunting, snowmobiling, and numerous outdoor activities. Of note were the many summer weekends where neighbors and other friends would gather “under the tree” for grilling, drinks, volleyball, and general fun. Larry also enjoyed the two weeks every year that the family went to Long Lake for vacation. Many of the same folks from the “tree” joined them there.

As Larry’s mobility and eye sight declined, Larry was blessed to have his daughter, Lori and her family, close, to love and support him. He spent time tinkering in his garage, keeping an eye on the neighborhood, playing euchre throughout Rock County (we owe a special thanks to those that helped him get to and fro), and observing as much wildlife as possible. The turkey flock which nest near the neighborhood was a favorite. In the last year, he fished with his son as often as possible. There were many awesome days on Wisconsin lakes during this time and great memories were made.

Larry is survived and fondly remembered by his son Lawrence Batten (Christy), daughter Lori Nicholson (Edward), and sister Helen Severns, grandchildren Emily Mitchell (Cory) and Clayton Nicholson, and great-grandchildren Sydney and Bella Mitchell, as well as other family members and friends who will miss him daily. He was preceded in death by wife Ann Batten, brother-in-law Robert Severns, and his parents.

At the time of his passing, Larry was visiting family in Virginia. Though no services are planned for Virginia, a Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held in from 1 to 3 pm on March 7, 2026, at Lucky Bell in Janesville.

Please share memories and express condolences at SimplyCremationOnline.com.