Sigfrido G. “Fred” Batista

June 13, 1932 - November 23, 2019

HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory

8057 Niles Center Rd.

Skokie, IL 60077

847.673.6111 |

Saturday 12/7, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Memorial Gathering & Service

Sarasota National Cemetery

9810 State Road 72

Sarasota, FL 34241

941-922-7200 |

Monday 12/2, 3:00 pm

Military Service with Honors

On Saturday, November 23, 2019, Sigfrido “Fred” Gutierrez Batista, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at age 87.

Sigfrido was born on June 13, 1932. On June 19, 1972, he married Carolina “Carla” van der Zijden. They raised two children, Monica and Adrian.

Sigfrido had a twin sister and spent his childhood in Regla and Havana, Cuba. Sigfrido devoted his life to physical fitness and athletics, with a tremendous passion for gymnastics. Sigfrido competed and earned winning medals in mens’ gymnastic events at the Pan American Games representing Cuba. Soon after this, Sigfrido embarked on his dream of a life in the United States. Quickly after this relocation, Sigfrido was drafted to the United States Army where he served for two years as a skilled sharp shooter and a tank driver. Following his armed service experience, Sigfrido pursued a career in physical education and taught at the YMCA and Boys’ Clubs in Chicago before devoting over 27 years as a physical education teacher for St. Peter School in Skokie, Illinois. Due to the dedicated physical education programming he initiated and maintained, Sigfrido was recognized on numerous occasions for his efforts in cultivating the most physically fit children in the country. When Sigfrido was not teaching, he was coaching, officiating and offering yearly memories with an elaborate gym show designed for each grade in the school to further highlight their physical skills and capabilities.

Sigfrido had a passion for painting, fishing, bowling and golfing. He was known for his warm smile, silly jokes, strength, guidance, unwavering love, and an overwhelmingly kind and compassionate spirit.

Sigfrido was preceded in death by his father, Angel, his mother, Delores and his sister, Walkyria. He is survived by his wife Carolina, his two children, Monica and Adrian, his granddaughter, Alexandria, his grandson, Adrien, son-in-law, Dean and daughter-in-law, Alyssa, cousins and godchildren. A funeral service will be held at the Sarasota Veteran Cemetery, Sarasota, FL on Monday, December 2nd at 3pm. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, December 7th from 1pm to 5pm at Haben Funeral Home, 8057 Niles Center Road, Skokie, IL 60077.

On Saturday, November 23, 2019, Sigfrido “Fred” Gutierrez Batista, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at age 87. Sigfrido was born on June 13, 1932. On June 19, 1972, he married Carolina “Carla” van der Zijden. They raised two children, Monica and Adrian. Sigfrido had a twin sister and spent his childhood in ReglaContinue Reading

See Condolences

Varsity Volleyball 1987

Hi, I knew the man as Mister "B". He was my gym teacher at St. Peters for 9 years (K-8). He definitely impacted me for life for a love with athletics and being fit. I still can hear his accented voice reprimanding or praising me.Sometimes in spanish (lol). I remember being fascinated by all his photos and trophies whenever I was in his office. I really appreciated and enjoyed reading his bio on this page. I have always been curious about this man, his history, family and passions. I am a bit saddened that I never got the chance to reconnect with him after all these years. I will always be grateful that he was an early influence in my life. He was definitely a shining star at St. Peter's during my childhood.

My deepest condolences to the entire Batista family, your father was an amazing person and he will be missed.

Adrian, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose someone close to you but you will always remenber the good times you shared with you Dad, and his smile. Hope your family is doing well, sending my thoughts to all of you. Bev

In memory of Sigfrido G. "Fred" Batista, Kim Nelson lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Carla, Monica and Adrian and families. We are shattered to lose our wonderful friend Fred. Our hearts go out to you - a donation has been made to the YMCA in Niles in Fred's honour. Even a million dollars wouldn't seem enough for all the happiness he brought to our lives. Your friends Barb and Fred Crawford.

Dear Uncle Fred, We will miss you dearly and we will cherish all our great memories of beautiful stories, silly jokes and great magic trics. We loved having you as our Ome Fred!

My heart goes out to Mr. Batista's family and friends. I fondly remember his gym classes, and especially the after school gymnastics he taught us. He was always kind, humorous, and dedicated to his craft and his students. Vaya con Dios.

So sorry for your loss he was my gym teacher at st Peter's and loved the gym shows that he organized every year.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Fred's family. I have fond memories of him during my 5th-8th grade years at St. Pete's, and even moreso as a colleague during my first 2 years of teaching there. Rest in peace, Mr. B!

Dear Batista Family, Mr. "B" was my grammar school gym teacher at St. Peter's Catholic School.....He made us tough- climb ropes, run and run around the gym, push ups etc., the uneven bars, the tumbling, the back flips-and the best, of course"The Gym Show"..always a good challenge. His life sure did change a lot after the days I graduated from St. Peter's.. He lead a very full life since those days. My deepest sympathy to the family...Rest in Peace Mr. B.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.