Donald G. Bates, age 92, of Chilton, died on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at Libby's House in Chilton. He was born November 14, 1920 in Ames, Iowa, son of the late Arthur & Lois (Wills) Bates. He married Lucille Anderson on March 20, 1945 in San Diego, CA following his discharge from the United States Army. Donald grew up on a farm in Ames, IA with his 3 brothers and 2 sisters. As a child, he had a passion for airplanes and when he earned his first dollar he spent it on an airplane ride. When he was old enough, he went to school and earned his private pilots license. He and Lucille purchased a home just outside of Chilton with enough land that he was able to put in a runway and keep his airplanes at home. Earlier in his life, Don worked as an over-the-road truck driver based out of Iowa for many years hauling a variety of supplies until he was injured and he could no longer drive for a living. He then went to Linotype School, and on completion was offered a job in Chilton, WI as a Linotype set person for the Chilton Times Journal. He worked there for many years, and also drove school bus until he began working at the Chilton Metal Products. He worked there until his retirement in 1984. Following retirement, he and Lucille loved to travel and spent their first winter in Arizona and subsequent winters in Texas until Lucille's passing in 2002. Don was noted for his pranks, jokes, and ""funny"" disposition that he has passed on to his children and grandchildren. If there was any humor in any situation, Don would find it...and point it out to others! He and Lucille were blessed with nine children: David (Trudy) Bates of Chilton, Ralph (Theresa) Bates of Seymour, Mark (Linda) Bates of Neenah, Gordon (Erin) Bates of Shawano, Carol (Jerry) Hanna of Chilton, Jeffery (Cathy) Bates of Appleton, Debbie (Kurt) Bushman of New Holstein, Ilo (Tim) Leary of Daggett, MI, Amy (Lyle) Bangart of Chilton; 31 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is survived by all of his children; grandchildren; a sister: Jenny Milton; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife: Lucille; his parents; Arthur & Lois Bates; 3 brothers: Earl, Ivan & Avan; 2 sisters: Mamie & Erma; and a great granddaughter: Alayna Bangart. Funeral service will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at St. Luke Lutheran Church (W3102 Killsnake Rd.) in Chilton with the Rev. Joel Brassfield officiating. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, August 16, 2013 and on Saturday at the church from 9:00 am until 10:00.