Robert "Bob" Lindberg Bates

Robert Lindberg Bates, 94, passed away at Unity Point Iowa Lutheran Hospital on February 22, 2022. Funeral services will be Monday, March 7, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 2900 49th Street in Des Moines with visitation one hour prior. Livestream at www.Facebook.com/ImmanuelDSM. Burial will take place at a later date.

Robert was born August 28, 1927 to Lester and Gertie (Coverdale) Bates in Vermillion, South Dakota. After high school he immediately began working as a brakeman for the Northern Pacific Railroad out of Washington State, a job he worked his entire lifetime. Once Bob retired from the railroad, he owned and managed a nursing home in Boone, Iowa. Changing gears, Bob worked for the Purolator Company for 20 years and was a driver for Bob Brown Chevrolet. Finally deciding to totally retire, Bob relaxed by enjoying the company of fellow walkers at Merle Hay Mall.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Burnett Bates; his daughters, Suzie (Monte) Bish and Joan (Tom) DeYonker; his step-son, Bob (Alyce) Burnett; grandchildren, Rebecca (Jason) Rothmeyer, Rob (Alyssa) Burnett, Nic Burnett, Rudy Palomino, Kristin (Brian) Buehler and Katie (Chris) Bonga, Brandon Bish, Alex Bish, Kayta Bish, Josh (Leslie) VanQuaethem, and Lisa (Greg) Ryan; daughter-in-law, Judi Burnett; nephew, Randy (Kathy) Navrkal who was like a son to Bob; 14 great-grandchildren, Kendall Rothmeyer, Kylie Rothmeyer, Claire Burnett, Theo Burnett, Ben Buehler, Barron Buehler, Abigail Bonga, Lucy Bonga, Jake Bonga, Cami VanQuaethem, Conner VanQuaethem, Sophia Ryan, and Jake Ryan; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and the special Merle Hay Walkers.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Howard (Julie) Bates, Gerald (Barb) Bates, and Elaine (Emil) Navrkal; and step-son, Craig Burnett.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Bob and online condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print