Dennis R. "Denny" Bates' Obituary
Mr. Dennis R. “Denny” Bates, age 69, passed away Friday, November 18, 2011 in Muskegon. He was born June 19, 1942 to Earnest R. and Bernadine (Raeth) Bates in Muskegon, and was a life resident. Denny was a Professional Photographer since 1972, and a Certified Professional Photographer for 20 years, owning and operating Denny’s Studio of Photography. He attended the Great Lakes Institute of Photography. He was a member of the Professional Photographers of Michigan (PPM) and a founding member of Professional Photographers of West Michigan (PPWM). He has worked with Junior Achievement since 1981, was a member of the Twin Lake Gun Club, the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce and the Northside Lions Club since 1995, now serving as a board member. He was a volunteer at the Frauenthal Center, and a member of Fifth Reformed Church. Denny also enjoyed scuba diving, motorcycles, boating, and his tractor. On May 1, 1965 he married Audrey J. Falbe in Muskegon, and she survives him along with 3 children, Heath Bates of Twin Lake, Kevin (Kristin) Bates of Twin Lake, Rebecca (Joshua) Frens of Muskegon; 5 grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Luce, Kamera (Douglas) McAllister, Jacob, Cody, and Karlee Bates; 3 great-grandchildren, Christopher, Lilith, and Starla; brothers and sisters, Dale (Diane) Bates, Contance (Ted) Hawkins, Daniel (Linda) Bates. A memorial service for Denny will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to his family or the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Inc. You may sign the family’s on-line guest book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. (231) 726-5210.
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