Noreen J. Bates

Noreen J. Manske (Bates), age 87, of Winooski, Vermont, passed away peacefully with her two sons at her side on January 29, 2026, at Our Lady of Providence Residential Care Home in Winooski, Vermont.

She was born on January 7, 1939, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin to the late Rollo and Hazel (Bartlett) Bates. She attended Ladysmith Highschool and after graduating worked for General Mills. She married the love of her life, Don Manske, on January 23, 1960, in Minnesota. Noreen and Don moved to St. Albans, Vermont in May 1974, where they raised two sons, Troy and Greg. She was employed for a time at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Billing, and also at Betty's Flower Basket. Noreen was very active in bowling leagues, becoming a Vermont State Champion in women's bowling in 1977. Her other hobbies included golf, softball, traveling, and the occasional visit to a casino with friends. Noreen was a member of the Elks Lodge, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the VFW Auxiliary.

Noreen was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents Rollo and Hazel Bates, her brothers Arnold and Arlie Bates, her sisters Awanda Roberts and Betty Keys. Noreen is survived by her two sons and daughter-in-law, Greg of Shelburne, Vermont, Troy and Sandy (Rodriguez) of Nooksack, Washington, and three grandchildren, Taylor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jackson of Charleston, South Carolina, and Brady of Seattle, Washington. She also leaves behind her nieces Penny (husband Larry) Piper of St. Paul, Minnesota, Bonnie (husband Pat) Fandel of Forest Lake, Minnesota, and numerous other relatives and friends.

There will be no services. Noreen will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby, Minnesota.

If so desired, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.

Honored to be serving the family of Noreen Manske is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.