Carl Bates

Carl Bates, 95, of Springfield died on Jan. 28, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial was conducted at 11 a.m. Feb. 2 at St. Raphael Catholic Church with The Rev. Phil Schotzko officiating.  Interment was in St. Raphael Catholic Cemetery.

Carl Bates was born Sept. 9, 1923, the fourth of 11 children, to Harry and Rose (Hartung) Bates in Eau Galle, Wisconsin. He attended Weber Grade School through the eighth-grade and graduated from Durand High School. While in high school, Carl was a member of the band and enjoyed playing tuba. He was drafted during World War II but was deferred because of poor vision. He did military service by working in the Boeing Air Force Plant in Seattle, Washington. Following the war, Carl was employed by the Postal Service in Minneapolis where he worked most of his life. Carl married Mary Treml on Nov. 7, 1959, in St. Mary’s Basilica in Minneapolis and the couple lived in Minnetonka. After retirement they moved to Springfield. While working at the Boeing Airforce Plant, Carl took up woodcarving and became quite skilled in making beautiful art pieces which he proudly displayed in his home. He also loved gardening and sharing his produce with others.

He is survived by brother, Al; sisters, Sister Mary Bates of LaCrosse, Wisc., Esther (Cyril) of Elmwood, Wisc., Virginia (Roman) of Plymouth, and Angie of Plymouth; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe, Larry, Bernard, and Arthur; and sister, Rosanne.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.