Barbara Ellen Bates

Barbara E. Bates, 77, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, died on Sunday, May 5, 2024, in her home with her family by her side.  She was born to Edward and Betty Kadera on August 3, 1946 in Waterloo, Iowa.  She married Theron (Dale) Bates on June 27, 1965 in Bettendorf, Iowa and had two children, Kathy (Scott) Defor and Brian (Tamara) Bates.

She is survived by her husband, Dale (Onalaska, WI), one daughter, Kathy (Scott) Defor (New Market, MN) and a son Brian (Tamara) Bates (Hortonville, WI).   She is further survived by three brothers, Dave (Karolyn) Kadera (Dorchester, IA), Steve & Carol Kadera (Whitehall, WI) and Tim Kadera (Cedar Rapids, IA) and grandchildren, Chelsie (Jake) Belcourt (Lakeville, MN), Hailey Defor (Saint George’s, Grenada), Heidi Defor (River Falls, WI), Tyler Bates (Hortonville, WI), Brooke Bates (Manhattan, NY) and a great-granddaughter, Auriella Belcourt (Lakeville, MN) and many nieces and nephews.   

Barb grew up with her 5 brothers in Waterloo, Iowa before the family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she graduated high school at Washington Senior High.  Her banking career started at a bank in Cedar Rapids, Iowa before meeting Dale at Woolworth’s in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they both were employed.  Barb and Dale later moved to Bettendorf, Iowa where she worked at an optical center.  Barb and Dale moved to Onalaska, Wisconsin in 1967.  During her lifetime in Onalaska, Wisconsin, Barb worked at the Batavian Bank in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Bank of Onalaska in Onalaska, Wisconsin, M&I Bank in Onalaska, Wisconsin, Hubcaps & Wheels in La Crosse, Wisconsin and Dale’s Drywall & Painting in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

Barb had many interests which included reading, knitting, puzzles, gardening, fishing, boating, traveling, canning, bible studies and going to her favorite restaurants.  One of her greatest passions was making crosses out of yarn and plastic mesh, which she donated to people all over the world.  Most importantly, she loved to spend time with her family and friends.     

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward & Betty Kadera, her brother Don Kadera, brother Mike Kadera, and 1 niece and 3 nephews.   

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Onalaska Church of Christ Church, 1415 Well Street, Onalaska, Wisconsin.  Pastor Craig Chappell will officiate and the burial will take place at Green Mound Cemetery, Holmen, Wisconsin. Family and friends may visit from 9:00 AM until the time of the Service at Onalaska Church of Christ.