Patrick J. Bates, M.D., 88, of Eau Claire passed peacefully with family at his side on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, at Heritage Court. Patrick was born to Earl W. and Laura P. (Ragan) Bates in Cadott, Wisconsin on January 10, 1925. Patrick attended a one-room school in Ludington Township and graduated as the sole member of the 8th grade in 1937. From the time Patrick was a young boy, he knew that he wanted to be a physician. As a young child, he saw his stillborn baby sister and never forgot that vision. He knew early on that his practice would seek to provide care for entire families and not just individuals. He attended Eau Claire High School and graduated salutatorian of his class in 1942. At the age of 17, he entered the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a pre-med student and received his M.D. in 1947 at the age of 22. According to sources at that time, he was likely the youngest graduate from the medical school in the university's history. Patrick dedicated his entire working life to the practice of family medicine, and at the time of his retirement on February 1, 1993, was the last remaining solo family practitioner in Eau Claire. He will be remembered for his personalized care and devotion to families, touching multiple generations of families throughout the Eau Claire area. When not in his office, Patrick was making rounds at both Luther and Sacred Heart hospitals as well as a number of nursing homes and made house calls right up until the day he retired. Dr. Bates practiced family medicine in Eau Claire for more than 40 years. His early medical experiences included an internship at Ohio Valley General Hospital, Wheeling, WV, where he met his first wife, Lois E. Walker, a residency at Dunham Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, and a general practice residency at Lima Memorial Hospital, Lima, OH. Patrick served as captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for three years in the early 1950s. Patrick had a large family who remembers him for his quick wit, warm smile, the twinkle in his bright blue eyes, his 'love-hate' relationship with the Green Bay Packers and unfettered loyalty to the Badgers, his Alma Mater team. In retirement, he relished going out for lunch every week with the guys, fishing off the dock at the lake and hanging out with his cats Bascom and Cooper. Patrick married Lois Walker in April of 1948. Three daughters were born of that marriage. In 1965, he married Colleen Audrey (Mueller) Corwin. Pat and Colleen celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary last April. Dr. Bates is survived by his wife, Colleen; two sons, Jeffery Corwin of Eau Claire and Sean (Sarah) Bates of Minneapolis; four daughters, Patricia McGhee of Chicago, IL, Cynthia (Rick) Brown of Sunnyvale, CA, Margaret (Tom) Higley of Eau Claire and Erin (Jean-Paul) Ameline of Paris, France; sister-in-law, Joanne Bates of Chippewa Falls; daughter-in-law, Jeanne Corwin of Eau Claire; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Earl Jr. (Marilyn) and David; three infant sisters; son, Gary Corwin; son-in-law, Max McGhee; and grandson, Bryan Higley. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI., with his friend Bruce Willett officiating. Private burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 11, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA) or to the charity of donor's choice.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Friday, October 11 2013 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Saturday, October 12 2013 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Funeral Service

Saturday, October 12 2013 11:00 AM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703