Dale H. Bates

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dale Bates. Dale passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in Kalamazoo, Michigan with his wife and three daughters at his bedside at the age of 66. 

Dale was faced with a diagnosis of a very aggressive form of Leukemia in September of 2024. Despite the grim outlook, he bravely chose to fight. During Dale’s battle with AML Leukemia, he displayed incredible courage and unwavering hope, inspiring all that knew him. After four months of battling cancer, he was faced with complications that ultimately led to his passing. 

Dale was born on September 23, 1958 in Alpena, Michigan. He was the son of Lorraine and French Bates. Dale spent his childhood in Alcona County and had many fond memories with his family and friends, especially with his brother, Eric Bates and friend, Bill Boilore. 

After graduating from High School, Dale continued his education at Ferris State University, where he met the love of his life, Diane King. 

Dale and Diane were married on June 2, 1979 and had 45 wonderful years of marriage together. Dale’s love for Diane was insurmountable and too big for words to describe. Together, Dale and Diane created a beautiful life and one they are both very proud of. Dale was unwavering in his commitment to Diane, their partnership and marriage is admired by many.

Dale was not only a devoted husband, but a wonderful father to his three girls- Karen, Katie and Lauren. He was fortunate to spend a lot of time at home with his daughters during their childhood. Together, they learned to love many of Dale’s favorite things: fishing, boating, sailing, snowmobiling and introducing them to his favorite music and movies. He also instilled in them many of his best qualities. Dale was hard working, confident, loving, strong and honest. Dale was overjoyed to become a grandfather to Vincent Lee Larson in April of 2020.

Dale had unconditional love for his family and always ensured his loved ones were taken care of. Dale’s love was his family’s foundation. He was a selfless, generous, and caring man. 

Dale was esteemed in his career as an electrical engineer. He had many adventures throughout his career working in Arizona, Colorado, California, New York, Washington, and Michigan. Dale retired as a proud Principal Electrical Engineer for Stryker Instruments in Portage, Michigan.

Dale loved visiting the National Parks. They traveled to the Grand Canyon, Zion, Yosemite, Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Glacier, Yellowstone, Theodore Rosevelt, and Acadia National Parks. He also took trips to see his Grandson in Apple Valley, Minnesota, visited his daughter, Katie, in Nashville, Tennessee and helped his daughter, Lauren, move into her first home in Royal Oak, Michigan. 

Dale is survived by his wife Diane (King) Bates, daughters Karen (Mike) Larson, Katie Bates, Lauren (Jon) Braun, grandson Vincent Larson, and his siblings Carol Kelley, Brian Bates, Keith Bates, and Eric Bates. 

Dale is preceded in death by his parents Lorraine (Kingsbury) Bates and French Bates. 

In accordance with Dale’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There are no services planned at this time. 

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Dale's guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with his family. Those who wish may make a contribution to the American Red Cross: www.redcross.org and/or LLS: www.lls.org. 

The Bates family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.