Richard M. Batcher, 70, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died unexpectedly at University Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa, on Saturday, June 9, 2012. 

Richard was born August 9, 1941 in Waterloo, Iowa to Robert and Maxine (Edsel) Batcher. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1963 with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1967 he received his law degree from the University of Iowa.

Mr. Batcher practiced law at Heninger and Heninger in Davenport, Iowa, for seven years. He continued practicing law for 38 years at Bozeman, Neighbor, Patten and Noe in Moline, Illinois.

Richard was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Scott County and Rock Island County Bar Associations, the Bettendorf Rotary Club, Transitions Board, Quad City Astronomy Club and the Cornbelt Running Club.

Richard married Lynn Hagglund on June 17, 1967 in Ottumwa, Iowa.

He was a gentle man with an avid curiosity about a variety of subjects. Even after achieving a professional degree he took college courses and tutored high school physics students for fun. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed true survival stories. Dick loved the outdoors, in particular the Rocky Mountains. He took up running in his 50's and solo hiked 176 miles of the John Muir Trail in his 60's. He was a 44 year member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He adored his wife and children, his son in law and most recently his granddaughter, Leah Grace, all of whom loved him fiercely.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn, children Elizabeth (Todd) Mittleman, Albuquerque, NM; David Batcher of Minneapolis, MN; Emily Batcher of Madison, WI. And granddaughter Leah Grace Mittleman; brother Robert (Gwen) Batcher of Lincoln, NE.

Services have been held. The family is requesting memorials be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church or to the National Parks Conservation Association.