William Bates

William J. Bates, age 90, Navy Veteran in the last phase of WWII. Long time employee of Motorola & Zenith Electronics Military and Research Department as well as the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Engineering for 25 years. During his tenure at UIC, he worked in the undergraduate lab and was an adviser for the Student Electromagnetic Field Measuring Group, and was instrumental in some of the early research on solar energy. After his retirement, he accepted a position as Chief Engineer & Vice President with International Oceanology and Mining where he served until his second retirement. Beloved husband of Eileen nee Osterberg; Loving father of Leslie (Scott) Conidi, Kurt Bates, Robin (Mike) Franks, and Carol Bates. He was a devoted grandfather to Joseph and Alexandra Conidi, Samantha Bates, and his loving caregiver and best friend, Victor Argueta, along with his weekend caregiver Jose Gonzalez. Preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Bertha Bates, infant son Eric Bates, and half brother Earl Bates. Arrangements entrusted to Kopicki's Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation of Berwyn. Cremation Private.

Memorials may be made to ALZ.org  (Alzheimer's Association).

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