Robert "Bob" George Bates

Robert “Bob” George Bates, age 88, of Kalkaska, Michigan passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at The Laurels of Goshen. Bob was born to Ralph and Elma Lorna Bates on September 15, 1934 in Luther, MI.

Bob honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked as a field operation data management officer for Consumers Power.  He enjoyed working on classic cars, building race cars, and simply riding on his motorcycle. He also enjoyed building things from the frame up, from garages, buildings, campers and even model airplanes. His favorite time was the time he spent with his family and his friends.

Bob is survived by his children, Brenda (Chuck) Miller of Bristol, IN., Robert Allen (Dawn) Bates of Middlebury, IN., and Thomas Ralph Bates of Shipshewana, IN; 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-grandson; siblings, Donald Bates of Michigan, Lorna Jean Miller of Michigan, Marian Teachout of Michigan and Merl Bates of Michigan; and the mother of his children Ruthie Ann Pelcher. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Alma Bates, his sisters Ruth Ann Myers, Arlene Schull and Norma Parsons.

Visitation will be held from 12- 2:30 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514. Where funeral services will be at 2:30 pm with Sister Nora Frost officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association www.act.alz.org or 225 North Michigan Ave., FL17, Chicago, IL 60601  or Parkinson’s Disease www.moretoparkinsons.com Online condolences may be made to the Bates family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com