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Lee Robert Bates, 96 Traverse City formerly of Empire died Monday, December 14, 2020 due to Covid 19.

He was born on December 10, 1924 in Alpena the son of Louis and Jenny (Hawkins) Bates.

Lee served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

He was a Heavy Equipment Operator and after retirement moved to Glen Lake where he enjoyed living on the water, especially fishing.

Lee was a craftsman, woodworker and enjoyed making furniture and other wood items. He was a member of the Empire United Methodist Church and the Men’s group, the Noontiders. He was an extreme Detroit Tigers Fan. He passed his love of baseball to all three of his daughters.

Lee is survived by his children, Meredith (Bill) Goodrick of Empire, JoEllen (Tom) Kilpela of Clawson and Maureen (Jim) Ligotti of Clinton Twp; grandchildren, Michael, Meghan, Brandon, Devon and Jackson.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Violet Helen (Putnam) Bates and siblings, Harriett Kubbe, Albert Bates, Marion Kubbe and Ruth Dewar.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Glen Lake Association, P.O. Box 551, Glen Arbor, Michigan 49636. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Empire in the spring.

The family would like to thank the staff at Glen Eagle and Advisacare for caring for Lee the last five years. They would also thank the Respiratory Therapists, PA and Nurses at Munson Medical Center for their kindness and care at the end of Lee’s life.

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