Raymond J Bates

Raymond Joseph Bates, 96, of Madison/Verona passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024. Ray was born on July 24, 1927, in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Bruce and Kathleen Bates. Upon graduating from Wilkes-Barre Myers High in 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy during and following World War II.

After his time with the Navy, he started a career in the Construction industry, where he worked on projects across the United States and internationally. One of his stops was in Steubenville, OH, where he met the love of his life, Audrey Dunn. Ray and Audrey were married on Nov. 22, 1958.

After a year and a half in Niagara Falls NY, Ray and Audrey and their growing family settled on the westside of Madison, WI, in November 1960, where Ray started a long career with Findorff Construction. Ray served as Construction Superintendent for many of Madison’s landmark buildings, including the upper deck of Camp Randall Stadium, the University of Wisconsin Hospital, as well as the CUNA Mutual and American Family campuses, retiring in 1992.

Ray was one of those people that was hard not to like and made many friends. Ray enjoyed golfing at Lake Wisconsin Country Club, bowling in some of the top leagues, and cheering on the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers. Ray and Audrey were season ticket holders for Badger football and basketball for many years. Ray and Audrey loved to travel with many trips to Florida, the Northwest, out east and Canada to visit family. They never missed an opportunity to have a good steak at Smoky’s Club. A highlight for Ray was an incredible trip on the Badger Honor Flight in 2013 with his son, Tom.

Ray is survived by sons, Jim (Mary) Bates, and Tom Bates; and his beloved granddaughters, Ally Bates and Leah Bates. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, Audrey Bates in January 2023; his son, Don Bates in 2016; and his siblings, Bruce Bates, Kathleen Collett, Jerry Bates, and Marie McCarthy.

The family would like to thank the staff at Charter Assisted Living and Memory Care in Verona for their wonderful care of Ray along with the staff and nurses of Agrace HospiceCare for their care and compassion.

At Ray’s request, there will be no services.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.