Irwin Leon Bates

Irwin Leon Bates was born June 20, 1936 in Milford, Iowa, the son of John Edwin and Roberta Lucille Willison Bates. He graduated from Okoboji Consolidated School in 1954. On May 19, 1963, Irwin was united in marriage to Marilyn Ingwersen in Milford. The family lived on a farm west of Milford where Irwin farmed until his retirement. After moving into town in 1986, Irwin drove truck for Schusters Hauling, Wells Blue Bunny of LeMars and Midland Transportation of Spencer. Irwin enjoyed camping, fishing and visiting with family and friends. He loved to attend his grandchildren's school and sporting activities and riding his bike. He attended the Union Memorial Church. Irwin passed away November 13, 2010 at the Spencer Municipal Hospital at seventy four years of age. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters, Becky Tollefson and her husband, John, of Moline, Illinois and Cindy Cody and her husband, Rich, of Milford; grandchildren, Jessi and Adam Layman; Megan and Tyler Leaich, Christopher Tollefson, Bryanna Tollefson, Maddie Bates, Logan Cody and Taylor Cody; great-grandchildren, Kennedi and Chloe Layman and Emma Tollefson. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Russell; sister, Wanda Bates.