Oliver Jacob Bates

Oliver Jacob Bates, 18 months old, of Chatfield, passed away peacefully, Thursday, March 10, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital with his family by his side.
Oliver was born August 31, 2020, in Rochester to Casey and Justine (Miller) Bates. Oliver was a sweet, special, and loving little boy. He enjoyed being held, watching his siblings, being tickled, being outside, and shower time. He faced many obstacles during his short life and fought them bravely with the support of his family. As a special needs, non-verbal child, he spoke volumes to those who knew him, and touched every single life he came in contact with. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Oliver is survived by his parents; Casey and Justine of Chatfield; siblings; Jessa of Chatfield, Hailee and Ayden of Cresco, Iowa; maternal grandparents; Brian and Sarah Miller of Chatfield, Paternal grandparents John Wojtkiewicz of Wykoff, Mark and Danna Hastings of Elma, Iowa; great maternal grandparents, Susan Miller of Rochester, Ed and Rose Miller of Lime Springs, Iowa, Phil Grunewald of Rockport, Texas; aunts and uncles; Rachel (Shannon) Dahley of Wykoff, Jake (Lisa) Miller of Winona, Zed (Sydnie) Farmer of Rochester, Janie (Ed) Mosier of Brownsdale; many cousins and many more friends.
Oliver is preceded in death by paternal Grandpa George Bates and maternal Great-Grandma Mary Grunewald.
Funeral services for Oliver will be 2 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022, at Chatfield Lutheran Church. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Chatfield Lutheran Church and one hour before the service on Friday. Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a donation to the WWOX Foundation in memory of Oliver.
Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com