Freeda Batke-Calvert

Lewistown, Mont.

Freeda B. Batke-Calvert, 105, of Lewistown, passed away early Sunday morning, April 12th , 2026, at Valle Vista Manor due to natural causes. She was born on March 23, 1921, in Benedict, North Dakota, the daughter of Ben and Alvina (Hager) Braunberger. Freeda grew up and attended school in central North Dakota. After graduating from high school, she worked at Bennie’s Bestyet Bakery and later served as a Ward Clerk at Trinity Hospital.

On October 5, 1941, she married Ervin Batke in Benedict, ND. Both were raised on diversified farms and continued that lifestyle until 1962. At that time, they moved to Lewistown, Montana, while their sons were serving in the military. Freeda worked at F.W. Woolworth for thirteen years, as well as at Yogo Gem and Rock Shop, and in the Bakery Department of Buttrey Foods until her retirement. In 2000, she married Ross Calvery, though they later divorced.

Freeda was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Church Choir, the Central Montana Senior Citizens Club, the Kitchen Band and the Community Cupboard.

She was an avid reader, and a self-taught oil painter. Freeda also enjoyed crafting and gardening, which were among her favorite pastimes.

She is survived by one brother Ben Braunberger, one sister Bernie Williams, one sister-in-law Shirley Braunberger, sister by choice Adeline Ness, special friends Cliff and Losi Wilber Larry and Margaret Gatz and Robin Maxwell; three grandchildren Jeffrey (Shannon) Batke, Theresa (Bob) Morris and Rebecca (Sam) Boyce; 11 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ervin in 1992, her sons Robert in 1974 and Dwayne in 1986, her parents, brothers Walter, Waldo, Melvin and Lenard, sisters Elaine and Carolyn.

Graveside Services for Freeda L. Batke-Calvert will be in the Lewistown City Cemetery; cremation has taken place. The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends are encouraged to make memorials to the United Methodist Church, the Community Cupboard or the charity of their choice, which can be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family can be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 15, 2026.