William A. Bates, 78, of Bruce, WI died on Monday, September 26, 2011 at The Rusk County Memorial Nursing Home in Ladysmith, WI.

Bill is survived by his wife, Vonnie of Bruce and his mother, Lois Bates of Black River Falls, WI, his 7 children; William, Jr. & Dana of Hayward, WI, Julie & Ralph Eckes of Hawyard, Vance & Deb Bates of Steamboat Springs, CO, Barbara & Jim LaBonte of Hayward, Marty & Ken Bursey of Nevada, TX, Mary Beth Bates of Hawyard, Bradley & Missy Bates of Winter, WI, 3 step-children; Deborah & Russ Carlson of Racine, WI, Valerie & Michael Coffman of Belleplaine, IA, John & Marce Strom of Racine, 9 grandchildren and their families and 1 step-granddaughter.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church in Winter, WI. Bill's family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until service time on Saturday at the church. Lunch will be served following the services.