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Michael Bates Obituary
Born: November 26, 1963
Died: May 16, 2021
LAMOILLE – Michael J. Bates passed away peacefully at home in LaMoille, IL on May 16, 2021 after a year-long illness.
Born November 26, 1963 in Camden, NJ to Gilbert J. and Janet (Nicholas) 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 his 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 St, Mendota, IL 61342 or Eternal Reefs, P.O. Box 3811, Sarasota, FL 34230-3811. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com
Arrangements are being handled by Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota, IL; see their website for Zoom link for celebration of life information.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bates
Sponsored by Merritt Funeral Home.
Janet Molinaro
June 9, 2021
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.
Nettie Simonich
May 23, 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
Mark & Nora Geuther
May 21, 2021
Greta, Deepest sympathy for Mike's passing. God walk with you and his loved ones.
Krista
May 21, 2021
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.
Margaret Gatchel
May 20, 2021
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
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
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.
Rebecca & Clay Fraley
May 19, 2021
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.
Mark Rowe
May 19, 2021
For a man who brought so much joy to many people, hearing of Mike's passing brings sorrow. May God comfort the family during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is always tough, but the good memories are the ones we remember best, and with Mike, there are plenty of them. The world has lost a wonderful soul. See you on the other side, my friend!
robin ganderson
May 19, 2021
Greta, Chris and Leslie,
I was sorry to read this morning of Mike's death. I will always remember him as an enthusiastic, caring and creative teacher. I am sorry that he had to have a long term illness but I am glad he was able to pass at home peacefully. He will be missed.
Frances Craig
May 19, 2021
Dear Greta & family,
I was sorry to read about Michael’s illness and death. Michael was a loving and loved husband and father, a fine teacher and a friend to all. As you mourn, please know that you are my prayers.
Russ
May 18, 2021
I´ve known Mike for around 14 years now. A group of us would meet at the conventions two to three times a year. Every time you´d see Mike he always had the biggest smile on his face and he´d always make you feel welcome. He made a natural connection with everyone he met.
We´d talk about our hobbies, Diabetes, food and almost anything that would come to mind. Mike was one of those guys that you´d aways look for and can spend hours talking to. Time went too fast when we hung out.
When I heard he was sick it really saddened me. Thanks to COVID I felt I would never see him again. Monday his brother called me with the terrible news. Mike was gone.
Deep down I know that if there were more people like Mike in the world - it would be a better place.
Until we meet again in God´s presence, there will always be a Mike shaped hole in my heart. Rest peacefully my friend.
Terri Carlson
May 18, 2021
Michael bought his first Icelandic sheep from us. I always enjoyed his enthusiasm and quirky sense of personality. The world has truly lost a precious soul. RIP Michael. You will be missed!
Michael Koznarsky
May 17, 2021
Mike or, as we all knew him: “Elephant Mike” due to his love of ancient armies with lots of elephants, was just a nice guy, someone whose company I truly enjoyed. While we met only once a year, we laughed as only old friends do. I will miss his company.
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