Rev. Curtis Batschelet

VISITATION
Friday, May 29, 2026
4:00 - 7:00 PM
Geelan Funeral Home
Spencer, Iowa

A private family service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Curtis “Curt” James Batschelet was born December 27, 1968, in Spencer, Iowa, to Robert and Ruth (Bolyard) Batschelet. A 1987 graduate of Clay Central High School, Curt’s sense of calling was evident early—he once wrote in a fifth-grade paper that he would become a pastor, a vision his teacher later returned to him at graduation.

He pursued that calling through studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and Northwestern College in Orange City, earning first a degree in education. Curt began his career teaching in Forney, Texas, where he taught for three and a half years and was offered a principalship and full tuition support, but chose instead to follow God’s leading to Sioux Falls Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity.

While in seminary, Curt served Central Baptist Church in George, Iowa, and later accepted a pastorate at Randolph Baptist Church where he would serve for 12 years. Known for his warmth and approachability, Curt built deep relationships within his congregation and community—often around shared meals, meaningful conversations, funny sense of humor, and his gift for storytelling. He met people where they were, offering wisdom, steady guidance, and a listening ear.

On October 7, 2007, Curt married Carolyn Carlson. Together they shared a love for ministry, community, travel, and time with family and friends. In 2010, they returned to Northwest Iowa, where Curt taught in the Sioux Central School District while also serving part-time at First United Church in Sioux Rapids. These roles reflected his heart for both education and pastoral care.

In 2017, Curt became pastor of First Baptist Church in Spencer—his home church—where he found deep joy in fostering connection through small groups and community engagement. He was also an active member of Spencer Kiwanis Daybreakers.

Curt faced ongoing health challenges with quiet strength and unwavering faith. Even as those challenges intensified in 2020, he remained grounded in his trust in God, marked by resilience, grace, and hope.

Curt passed away peacefully at home in Spencer on April 23, 2026, at the age of 57. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, beloved son, brother, uncle, and a faithful friend and pastor whose life reflected deep love for the Lord and for others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruth Batschelet, and his father-in-law, Wayne Carlson.

Curt is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his brothers, Allen (Terri) Batschelet and Brian (Tami) Batschelet; his mother-in-law, Charlotte Carlson; sisters-in-law Joyce Carlson, Martha (David) St. Clair, and Ruth (Scott) Schneider; his nieces and nephews, Adam (Abbey) Batschelet, Kelsey (Kyle) Hanson, Ethan (Ashley) Batschelet, Caleb (Talor) Batschelet, Jorie St. Clair, Andres St. Clair, Grant Schneider, and Kyle Schneider; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Arrangements by Geelan Funeral Home