Photo courtesy of Merritt Funeral Home
Mendota, Illinois
Nov 26, 1963 – May 16, 2021
Michael James Bates passed away peacefully at home in LaMoille on May 16, 2021 after a year-long
illness.
Born November 26, 1963 in Camden, NJ to Gilbert J. and Janet Bates, Michael was a graduate of
Overbrook HS, Pine Hill, NJ; Old Dominion University and Mississippi State University. In a career of 30
years, he taught middle school and high school science at Blair Middle School and Lake Taylor, BT
Washington, and Maury High Schools in Norfolk, VA. After moving to Illinois in 2008, he taught at
Earlville HS; Woodruff HS, Peoria; Harlem HS, Machesney Park; Prophetstown HS; Freeport HS; LaMoille
HS; Sherrard HS; RAS and Jefferson High Schools, Rockford; in addition to Sauk Valley CC and Illinois Valley CC.
He is survived by wife Greta, children Christopher Scanlon and Leslie (Jacob) Weber and
grandson Caleb of Tidewater, VA as well as brothers James (Karen) of Los Angeles, CA and Gilbert W. of
Lindenwold, NJ and niece Aimee of Roanoke, VA.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to Nightengales, 708 Jefferson Street, Mendota, IL 61342 or Eternal Reefs, P.O. Box 3811, Sarasota, FL 34230-3811.
A Zoom link for a celebration of life will be posted shortly.
Celebration of Life ~ Michael J Bates
May 23, 2021 at 3PM Eastern Time
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Meeting ID: 828 1658 5940
Passcode: MJBates
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Greta: I am sorry to read that Michael has passed away. He put the fun into environmental studies and the after-school club, getting the students to take water samples off some of Norfolk's bridges. I still think of him when I drive over the Hampton Blvd. bridge. We are sorry for your loss.
Janet Molinaro
June 09, 2021
Greta and Family,
We are sending our heartfelt sympathies, love and prayers!
Mike was an incredible man who will live forever in our memories and our hearts. Ken, KC and I will cherish all the conversations covering so many different topics. His smile and warm, friendly personality will be missed.
May warm, loving memories bring you comfort during your difficult days.
Much love and prayers!
Ken, Nettie & KC Simonich
Nettie Simonich
May 23, 2021 | Lemont, IL
Greta, Deepest sympathy for Mike's passing. God walk with you and his loved ones.
Mark & Nora Geuther
May 21, 2021 | Friend
I am so glad to have met Mike and to have been a part of his (huge) circle of friends. Mike was so smart, charming, kind and the only other Melanie fan I ever encountered! I'll miss you Mike. Draw a ring around the moon for me.
Krista
May 21, 2021 | Lindenwold, NJ | Friend
Michael was a delightful person to be around. His interests were wide ranged and I enjoyed interacting with him. He was loving to his parents and his brothers, and adored his grandparents. Mike always smiled and never seemed to let things get him down. He was a dear child who grew up to be a superb man. His parents were truly blessed with him as a son. I will miss him, but I know where he is, and I will be meeting him there someday. I will always love you Michael. Your cousin, Margie
Margaret Gatchel
May 20, 2021 | Glassboro, NJ | Family
Dear Greta, Our love and prayers are being sent to you for this difficult time. We pray that as you go through this loss, you will know that we are all thinking of you in your pain. We send our love , Margie and Bill Gatchel
Margaret Gatchel
May 20, 2021 | Family
My heart is broken. He was a gentle and kind man who cared for all. We had the joy of seeing him grow up along with his brothers Gil and James. He made us all proud of the man he became.. The memories are many and precious. We will see you again, Mike. I, Margie, will love you always.
Margaret Gatchel
May 20, 2021 | Family
Group of 10 Memorial Trees
Brad Wright
May 19, 2021 | Lindenwold, NJ
Dearest Greta: Our sincerest condolences to you and your family during this time of sorrow and loss. May God comfort you and keep you in His loving arms, and may the fondest of memories fill your hearts forever. Peace be with you.
Rebecca & Clay Fraley
May 19, 2021 | Kings, IL | Friend
