Steven "Bo" Leslie Bates
November 16, 1953 - May 13, 2020
Obituary
COTTAGE GROVE - Steven “Bo” Leslie Bates, age 66, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. He was born on Nov. 16, 1953, in Mauston, Wis., the son of John and Rosella (Hirst) Bates. Steven graduated from Monona Grove High School 1971 and then served in the U.S. Army. He worked as a superintendent for Bachmann Construction retiring in 2010.
Steven was a very talented carpenter and craftsmen and contributed to many projects in the Madison area over the years. In 1996, he built a beautiful home for his family in Marshall, Wis.
Steven was an avid outdoorsman; he loved the time spent on his boat, fishing. He enjoyed hunting black bear, whitetail deer, and grouse. Many wonderful memories were made with him in the family’s northern Wisconsin cottage; enjoying the outdoors, riding ATV’s, playing cards, and cribbage with his family and friends.
In 2018, Steven moved to the Drumlin Residences Apartments in Cottage Grove. He enjoyed many great friendships with the people in that community.
Steven is survived by his former wife and close friend, Linda Bates; children, Justin (Kat) Bates and Andrea (Jeff) Fitzgerald; grandchildren, Jack Fitzgerald, and Lauren Fitzgerald; and sisters, Jackie Ruf, Ginny Jennings and Barb (Marty) Sickenberger. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jim Bates.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Vikki Kinsler
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Rest In Peace my friend. You fought a courageous battle right up to the end and never complained. My condolences to Steve's family--you're all in my thoughts and prayers. You are already missed, Steve.
Vikki
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Mary & Gary
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Many, Many wonderful memories of our friend Steve. You will be missed. Our sympathy and prayers to the family. Mary & Gary Schellinger, Wintergreen friends.
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daniel olson
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We graduated with Steve and he was always a wonderful and positive person. We had the opportunity to see him, on and off, over the years and always enjoyed his company. We will miss you Steve, God bless.
Dan and Jill Olson
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Debi wirth
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Justin and Linda. Dave and I are so sorry to hear about Steve. Steve was a Great Guy! Aways enjoyed the Bachman Christmas parties, with Steve Billy, Ricky, etc. Steve was one of Bachman’s BEST!!
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Elizabeth Ruf
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Uncle Bo was like a big brother to me. He was such a fun uncle and a huge influence on me with his art, his taste in music, his witty quips, and his talent for composing rhymes for his friends off the top of his head. So many memories of good times reading comics at the cabin, boating, and even just sitting and watching tv together! He would pass on his record albums to me when he "outgrew" them--a treasure trove of 60s pop from the Animals, to Hot-Rod Hits, to Donovan. I still have them and still listen to them. I'm glad we lived close enough to see each other often when we were both growing up. I really looked up to him. It made me sad not to be able to see him more often once I moved away, and now my heart is sore for Linda, Justin, Kat, Barb, Ginny, my mom Jackie, and all of us.