Michael Nelson “Mike” Biltz, age 78 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at his residence. Born December 17, 1946, in Batesville, he is the son of Nelson and Emma (Nee: Gehring) Biltz. Mike was a retired farmer, a longtime employee of Hirt and Ellco, and was an Army veteran having served during the Vietnam War.
Mike was a loving father who enjoyed the simple things in life. He enjoyed the outdoors and could be found horseback riding, hunting, shooting, and sharing those skillsets with the next generations. You could find him driving around in his Can Am racking up the miles on a nice day. He loved spending time with family and friends, and he never knew a stranger. Mike was an avid storyteller and would share his tales over a good drink, preferably bourbon. On Wednesdays, he would have seafood dinners that often-featured crab legs, a personal favorite of Mike’s.
He is survived by his daughters Julie (Jim) Vankirk, Nancy (Kip) Meer, Tracy (Kenny) Wafford, and Margie Schwegman, all of Batesville; sons Nick (Michelle) Biltz of Greensburg, Indiana, Dan (Kristen) Biltz, and Ted (Klair) Biltz, both of Batesville; sisters Margo (John) Dietz and Ann (John) Obermeyer, both of Batesville, brother Dave (Karla) Biltz of Batesville; 24 grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his son-in-law Tom Habig, grandson Luke Schwegman and granddaughter Madeline Biltz.
Visitation is Sunday, September 21st, from 1 – 4 p.m., at the Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville, with a rosary service at 12:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church in Oldenburg, Indiana, with Fr. E.J. Stein OFM officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery, with military graveside rites being conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville. Memorial contributions may be made to the “Raise the Roof” Fund in care of the Franklin County Community Foundation, 527 Main Street, Brookville, Indiana 47012. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.