Joseph C. Batliner Sr.

Joseph C. Batliner Sr., born April 20, 1936, in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, passed away on October 21, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Joseph will be remembered as a hardworking, honest man whose life was defined by devotion to his family, faith, and the work of his hands. He worked diligently as a machinist for Eaton Machine Corporation and took deep pride in every task he undertook. He also founded Joe Batliner and Sons Farm Equipment Sales and Service, where he became a proud dealer of Massey Ferguson tractors and equipment, Long Tractors, and Grasshopper lawn mowers. His love of farming, tractor pulling, tractor restoration, and going to auctions reflected a lifelong passion for the land and for craftsmanship. He especially loved hunting whitetail deer and rabbits. He found joy in work that kept him close to the outdoors and to the things he could build, repair, and restore.

He proudly served in the Army National Guard, carrying with him the same sense of duty and commitment that marked the rest of his life. Joseph was compassionate and trustworthy, a man others could depend on, and a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Above all, family was at the center of his life. One of his greatest joys and proudest accomplishments was watching his family grow and thrive.

For 69 years, Joseph shared a loving marriage with his wife, Jean Gettelfinger Batliner, a partnership that stood as a lasting example of loyalty and devotion. He is also survived by his children, Joe Batliner Jr. and his wife, Myra; Douglas Batliner and his wife, Vickie; David Batliner and his wife, Betty; Mary Ann Batliner; Bridget Zipp; Thomas Batliner and his wife, Denise; and Jeffrey Batliner and his wife, Angel, 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother, James Batliner, and by his sisters, Mary Hunter and Judy Jacobi, and many loving nieces and nephews. The love he gave to his family and the strength he offered them will remain with them always.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Batliner, and his father, Bernard Batliner Sr; sisters, Bernice Hill, Gladys Cooper, Earlene Montgomery; and brothers, Bernard "Butch" Batliner Jr., and David Lee Batliner. 

Visitation will be held on October 28, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, Southern Indiana, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana 47150. A Mass will be held on October 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m, at St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church, 5719 St Marys Rd, Floyds Knobs, IN 47119, with a burial to follow at Saint Mary of the Knobs Cemetery.

Joseph’s life was one of steady work, deep faith, and enduring love. He leaves behind a legacy built not only through the labor of his hands, but through the family he cherished and the example he set for all who knew him.