Gerald "Jerry" H. Bates

Gerald "Jerry" H. Bates, 92, a resident of Viola, Idaho passed away on June 6, 2022 at the Liberty Lake adult family home in Liberty Lake, Wash.

Jerry was born on Feb. 16, 1930 at Barrington, Illinois, to Benjamin and Gladys (Simonsen) Bates. He attended his schooling at Oregon, Illinois and graduated from the Oregon High School in 1948.

He joined the United States Air Force on August 3, 1948 and retired from the Air Force on August 31, 1968 as a Senior Master Sergeant.

Jerry moved to Spokane, Wash. in 1968 and was employed by the United States Postal Service as a rural mail carrier for several years until he retired and moved to the family farm at Viola in 1989.

He married LeeAndra Erickson-Froseth on Jan. 4, 1990 and the couple made their home at Viola, Idaho.

Jerry enjoyed Guns, NASCAR racing, traveling, boating, watching his grandson grow, playing sports and being in 4-H and FFA.

Jerry was a member of the American Legion, Potlatch Post #10300 V.F.W. at Potlatch, Idaho, Rural Carriers Association, Battalion Chief District 8 Volunteer Fire Department, Spokane Valley, Wash.

Survivors include his wife Lee at the Viola, Idaho home, one daughter, Lisa J. (Jerry) Kolke, son in law Jerry Kolke, Battle Ground, Wash., one son, David W. Bates, Montana, a daughter in law, Kelly Bates, Garfield, Wash. Jerry is also survived by step son Barrie Froseth, step daughter in law Maeve Murphy and step daughter Heidi Froseth, all of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a grandson, Mason Hadley Bates, Garfield, Wash., a step grandson, Conor Froseth, Minneapolis, Minnesota., step granddaughter, Emma Froseth, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Jerry was preceded in death by two brothers, Edwin and Clifford Bates.

A memorial services will be held at Kramer Funeral Home, 203 N. Bridge St. Palouse, WA , 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 with the Rev. Corey Laughary officiating. The United States Air Force Honor Guard and the Potlatch Post # 10300 VFW participating. A lite finger food will be available after the service.

Memorials may be given to the Potlatch Ambulance Fund, Box 63, Potlatch, ID or to the Potlatch Senior Lunches.

Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse, Washington is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at http://www.kramercares.com.