Obituary of Geraldine Vivian Bates

Geraldine Bates passed away at the age of 81 on August 1st, 2024, in Cologne, MN.

Gerrie was born at Rice Memorial Hospital on March 1, 1943, in Willmar, MN, the daughter of Henry and Gladys (Norris) Mohr. She grew up on the family farm near Atwater, MN, with her eight siblings. She met the love of her life, Daniel Bates, in high school. They were married in December 1961 and lived in the Willmar area for 60 years. Gerrie and Dan moved to Cologne, MN, in 2012 after Dan retired to be closer to their grandchildren and spend time doing things they enjoy, such as watching plays, going to restaurants, and more.

From their union, three children were born, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Gerrie was a devoted wife and mother who loved being with her family and friends, where laughter and joy were guaranteed. Although she worked in the school lunch program, her main job was being a housewife and caring for her children. Gerrie was an amazing cook who enjoyed trying new recipes with her husband, Dan, and sharing them with loved ones. Gerrie was always up for an adventure, such as being on the lake by water skiing and boating, dancing to her husband’s band, following her children's or grandchildren’s sports teams, vacationing with loved ones, and visiting family that lived far away. She had a gift for saying whatever came to mind, and those around her appreciated it!

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Bates; three children, Natalie Leediker of Willmar, MN; Lisa (Robert) Culley of Fredericksburg, VA; and Thomas (Traci) Bates of Prior Lake, MN; seven grandchildren, Jamie (Scott) Fitch, Allison (Gregory) Stecher, Ashley (Derrick) Calamos, Zachary Leediker, Jacob Culley, Isabella Bates, and Isaiah Bates; and five great-grandchildren: Sophie Fitch, Morgan Fitch, Madison Fitch, Peyton Calamos, and Noah Stecher. She is also survived by four siblings: Janet Peterson, Jerome Mohr, Judy (Doug) Angier, Eva Vossen, and one sister-in-law, Ginger Mohr.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Larry (Dorothy) Mohr, Colleen (Rolland) Nielson, John Mohr, and Albert Mohr; her sister-in-law, Carol Mohr; and her brother-in-law, Marley Peterson. As well as her parents, Henry and Gladys (Norris) Mohr.