Mark Bates completed his Christian tour of duty on earth peacefully on September 19, 2022.
Mark was born on August 14, 1934, in Bloomington, Illinois to Ralph E. and Margaret “Porgie” B. (nee Weldon) Bates.
He was an alumnus of St. Athanasius School and St. George High School in Evanston, IL He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in journalism in 1956
Mark married the love of his life Janet (nee Fjellberg) on January 5, 1957. They had a glorious life together until Janet’s passing on July 28, 2017. Mark is survived by his children, Mike (Sue), Scott, and Anne Glassow (Marcus).
He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Tom Bates, Betsy (Chris Stevens), Andy Bates (Hanna), Emily Bates (Andy Berlein), Laura Bates, Camryn Bates, Marcus Glassow (Adena), Kelsey (Grady Garrison), and Brittany as well as eight great-grandchildren: Michael Bates-McGowan; Daisy and Blake Glassow; Adeline Garrison, Noah Bates, Jack Stevens, Ted Bates, and Ben Stevens, Harlan Berlein. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all.
A memorial service and celebration of Mark’s rich, full life will be held at a later date. Interment at Ridgewood Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL. The Bates family asks that memorial donations be directed to St. Athanasius School, 2510 Ashland Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201.