Lila M. Bates, age 84 of Elmwood, died Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire.

Lila was born on September 17, 1935 at home in rural Elmwood. She was the daughter of Alfred C. and Margaret R. (Laschinger) Hofacker. Lila grew up in Elmwood and graduated from Elmwood High School.  She then attended and graduated from River Falls Teachers’ College. Lila taught for a couple of years at Elmwood Elementary School. Lila married Arthur Bates in 1957. Together that union brought five children. They farmed in the rural Eau Galle and later divorced in 1993. Lila continued farming until her death.

Lila’s passion was gardening and love of animals, especially her cats. Lila enjoyed being a seamstress, making clothes for family, baking and holiday lights around the house.  

Lila is survived by her children; Sharon (Richard) Young of Hudson, Robert (Aggie Macdonald) of Madison, Ron (Paula) of Hudson, Mark (Jennifer) of Hudson and Jerry of Elmwood, nine grandchildren; Christine (Jeremy), Michelle (Tom), Travis, Chelsea, Alison, Derek, Madi, Quintin and Mason, great grandchildren; Harrison, Zachary and Natalie, one sister; Lita Hofacker of Elmwood, two sisters-in-law; Loretta Hofacker of Durand and Terri Hofacker of Plum City, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters; Lois Kuesel and Lucy Hofacker and two brothers; Leon and Lyle Hofacker.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00AM, Monday, October 28, 2019 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Eau Galle with Rev. Jerry Hoeser officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00PM-7:00PM at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Memorials are preferred in Lila’s name to Dunn County Meals on Wheels.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Steve schultz November 17, 2019, at 12:09am

   Sorry, to hear of the passing of Lila, Roger and Lita. My prayers are for ever.

2. Maribeth Brunner October 28, 2019, at 10:57am

   So sorry for your loss. I had to work today but You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I'm praying for peace for you all.

3. Gregory Baskin October 28, 2019, at 6:49am

   Lila was my third grade teacher at her first year of teaching in Elmwood. I would enjoy visiting with her when she would come to UFO days. Sad to hear of her passing

4. Pamela R. October 24, 2019, at 3:16pm

   I am so sorry hear of Lila's passing. She and I have been in contact over the last year, due to our shared family genealogy. My sympathy is with all of her family and friends and this sad time.

5. Brenda Kado October 24, 2019, at 2:15pm

   Lila was one of my first grade teachers. I remember her as kind and sweet. One memory was how she taught us to draw turtles. Her instructions helped ya create real treasures! I was so proud! IMay God bless all of you who mourn her loss!!!

6. Gina Zurek October 23, 2019, at 7:28pm

   Praying for the family. I always felt like she listened and cared.

7. Karen October 23, 2019, at 5:10pm

   I will miss her so much. I delivered meals to this beautiful person. And today when I heard the news I broke down. I always looked forward to Mondays and Wednesdays to see her beautiful smile and share story's with her. God Bless you Lila I will never forget you! Pifi

8. Scott Bjork October 23, 2019, at 3:21pm

   Sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in our prayers

   Bjorks

9. Sue Ann Everson October 23, 2019, at 3:21pm

   So sorry for your loss... Lila was one of a kind! I so enjoyed my visits with her. A women of great strength, values and wonderful stories.
   Sue Ann

10. Lisa Kilmer October 23, 2019, at 3:15pm

    I am so sorry for your loss, Lila was a wonderful women that touched peoples lives.

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