Robert "Bob" W. Batzlaff

Bob’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below starting at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2026:

Robert Walter “Bob” Batzlaff, 82, of Fargo, ND passed away Friday, September 18, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo surrounded by family.

Bob was born at home on September 21, 1943, in Stony Brook Township near Elbow Lake, MN, to Walter and Elvira (Wersal) Batzlaff. He attended country school through 8th grade before graduating from Elbow Lake High School in 1961. From a young age, he developed a strong work ethic by farming with his father and working as a farmhand during his teenage years.

Though he loved farming, he was encouraged to further his education. He earned an associate degree in pre-engineering from Wahpeton School of Science and transferred to North Dakota State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering.

While attending college he met the love of his life, Karen Ready. They were united in marriage on May 22, 1965, in Wahpeton, ND. They started their life juggling Bob’s studies and a new marriage. After graduation, engineering jobs took the couple from Fargo to Mankato and Windom, MN. Along the way, the family expanded to add five children.

In 1979, feeling the pull to be closer to family, Bob and Karen packed up and moved to Fergus Falls, MN. The move also brought a career change. The same work ethic formed as a farm kid in Grant County was now aimed toward a new endeavor. After learning the home-building trade while working for Dynamic Homes & Merz Builders, Bob established Fergus Construction in 1987. His stubborn nature ensured that every project was done right, and over the course of 25 years, he built a reputation as a trusted contractor in the area. He built every house as though he was going to live in it himself – and on more than one occasion the family did just that. Bob and his small crew ensured that care, pride, and craftsmanship were included in every home they created.

As a kid, Bob developed a passion for hunting and fishing. Later, shotguns and rifles were replaced by pontoons and travel trailers. His love of fishing continued over the years and was highlighted by yearly adventures up north with his work family. He spent summers at the lake, grilling and sitting by the campfire. He always seemed to have a landscaping project in the works and continued to be the first person his family contacted for advice on their own projects. The open road was his friend, and there was never any urgency to get anywhere fast – he simply enjoyed being with Karen and exploring any area that their travels took them.

Bob was happiest when his family was together. Countless birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays were spent with Karen, his five children, their spouses, and 12 grandchildren. He had a life filled with love, hard work, and precious memories.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Karen (Ready) Batzlaff; his children, Deanna (Jason) Marchus of Wolford, ND, Melissa (Jeff) Slaubaugh of Wolford, ND, LisaJo Walters of Grand Forks, ND, Jessica Steidl of Mitchell, SD; and Jason (Samantha) Batzlaff of Fergus Falls, MN; his grandchildren, Madison (Cody Freitag) and Koby (Sarah) Marchus, Kaitlin, Kiara, and Kyla Slaubaugh, Ethan, Erikka, Brooke, and Megan Steidl, Sydney, Cooper, and Max Batzlaff; and a great-grandchild soon to be born to Koby and Sarah, lovingly anticipated as “Baby Boy” Marchus; and his sisters, Darlene Manock and Ruth Merz, both of Fargo.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Jessica’s life partner, Jeff Terveen, whom Bob considered a son-in-law; his brothers-in-law Ronnie Weissinger, Melvin Manock, Roger Ready, Myron Ready, and Craig Ready; and his parents-in-law, Albert and Betty Ready.

A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 1:00 p.m.