Sioux City Journal

Sioux City's 'Ambassador in Blue' dies

By Travis Coleman Journal staff writer | Posted: Sunday, May 11, 2008

SIOUX CITY -- Efren Bata, a fixture of old downtown Fourth and Pierce streets as a police officer directing traffic, has died. He was 85.

Bata, once described by the Journal as the Sioux City Police Department's most well-known officer, died Wednesday at his home in Sioux City.

Many remember Bata as the "Ambassador in Blue," a uniformed policeman with a gun who patrolled the downtown corner and at Morningside Presbyterian Church.

He joined the Sioux City Police Department in 1952 and retired in 1977.

Bata was born in Wichita, Kan., in 1922 and moved to Sioux City in 1930. He married Victoria Manrique in September 1945 in Sioux City. When reached at her home Saturday, Victoria said she hoped her husband left a "loving, friendly" impression on people.

When she asked her children how they'd like their father to be remembered, daughter Rosanna Koupal said "as a wonderful man and provider."

Efren's son, Tony Bata, said his father was always consistent with the people he interacted with, which was an admirable quality.

"He always felt he was a servant for them," Bata said.

Memorial services will be at 9 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, with rites conducted by the Sioux City Police Department Honor Guard and the U.S. Navy Reserves. Visitation will be between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, with a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.

Story Comments

Michael Tierno wrote on Jun 12, 2008 4:44 PM:

" Mr. Coleman, what a magnificent article you wrote of my Uncle Efren Bata. He was a loving man and one of three uncles I had who served the police dept. when I was growing up in Sioux City. I will miss Uncle Efren, Robert Rol, and Frank La Sacala very much. They contributed much to make Sioux City a great place to live. Thank you and best wishes.
Michael Tierno La Verne, CA "

Dale R. Todd wrote on May 12, 2008 1:28 PM:

" I will remember him forever. Efren Bata was around when I was just a little boy and I used to wave at him. What a giant of a man. I am 53 and can remember him well directing traffic. "

Stu wrote on May 11, 2008 7:56 AM:

" I never grew up here, but have been here the last 28 years. I knew him from when he use to be down at the Toy National Bank in the parking lot. I think everybody knew him. He was a great man & will be missed. My sympathy to the family for their loss. "

Observer wrote on May 11, 2008 6:18 AM:

" I remember officer Bata when he was a foot-patrol officer downtown in my teenage years. What a nice guy! Always friendly, always had a smile and a "hello" for everyone. Sioux City has definitely lost a treasure. Mr. Bata was a fine man, a credit to the police force, and the human race. "