William E. "Bill" Bates, age 70, of Altoona, passed away on Monday, November 19, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System – Eau Claire. Bill was born on April 20, 1948, in Eau Claire, to the late Lee and Lila (Ackerson) Bates. He graduated from North High School with the Class of 1967. Bill married Karn Johnson on May 8, 1999. He worked as a custodian for a local church for 44 years. Bill was a founding member of Saving Grace Lutheran Church. He was also a member of Fort Old Abe Muzzleloaders. Bill played on the church dart ball league for 50 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, bowling, and painting and art. Bill is survived by his wife, Karn; goddaughter, Jasmine McGeary; siblings, Carol Robinson, Herbert (Leonora) Bates, Tom (Jeannette) Bates, Jeffery (Leslie) Bates, John (Julie) Bates, Lisa Ringwald in-laws, J Kevin and Janet Johnson; and many relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by siblings, Edward Bates and Julie Sass. The family would like to thank the Emergency Department at Mayo Clinic Health System and their chaplain, Yolanda. Memorials directed to the family or to Saving Grace Lutheran Church. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 2124 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire, with Rev. David Irgens officiating. A visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Service Information

Visitation

Wednesday, November 28 2018 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Saving Grace Lutheran Church 2124 Eastridge Center Eau Claire WI

Memorial Service

Wednesday, November 28 2018 2:00 PM

Saving Grace Lutheran Church 2124 Eastridge Center St Eau Claire WI 54703