Obituary for John Michael Bateman

John Michael Bateman, age 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa died peacefully August 23, 2023, at The Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.  

An informal outdoor gathering on Saturday September 2, 2023, at 1:00pm will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in the Garden of Meditation.  Everyone is invited to gather, share stories, catch up, and an opportunity for anyone to speak to the group if desired.  Per his request, dress casually, no crying, good memories, and laughter.  He will be inurned in his final resting place near his son Michael in the Garden of Meditation.

Additionally, A Celebration of Life Reception will be hosted by Emily Bateman at El Kahir Shrine 905 Tower Terrace Rd, Hiawatha, Iowa on Sunday September 10 at 2pm.

The family encourages everyone to attend these remembrance opportunities as you are able.  John loved to socialize and tell a good story.  He lived a good life (his words) with many chapters and all the characters in his story are invited to attend and remember your part in his life.

John was born October 11, 1946, in Cresco, Iowa to Walter and Helen (Lienhard) Bateman.  He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1964.

In 1967, he moved his family to Cedar Rapids where he lived for the remainder of his life.  John worked at Wilson/Farmstead Foods for 23 years until the plant closed in 1990.  He returned to school at Kirkwood briefly and began a second career chapter as a concessionaire and business owner.  John owned and ran an independent ice cream and dairy store and was an ice cream vendor for several years serving nearby smaller communities with fundraising festivals.  John owned and managed concessions for the Cedar Rapids Reds/Kernels for 12 seasons.  He ran food concessions for several venues including May City Bowl, Hawkeye Downs, Kirkwood Softball Complex, and his own deli stand at the old Cedar Rapids Library.  In 1994 John purchased the Skyway Lounge on Bowling Street in Cedar Rapids, renamed it Flight’s Lounge, expanded, and ran a thriving banquet, lounge, and dart league business for several years.  In the years before retiring from full time work, he worked at Target and ran routes for Wonder Bread.  Since retiring, he has worked as a school crossing guard for Cleveland School.

John enjoyed and tried many hobbies and activities throughout his life.  He competitively played golf, tennis, bowled, was on a state winning trap shooting team, and a field tester for Pro Bass.  In his retirement he enjoyed fishing and often participated in the annual Fish-O-Rama.

John served on the PTA at Cleveland, Taft, and Jefferson High Schools in Cedar Rapids.  He could always be counted on to volunteer and help with events and activities.  He cherished the friendships and camaraderie of all the groups he worked with through the years.

John is survived by his daughters, Becky Bateman (Victor Rocha) of Cedar Rapids; Emily Bateman, of Marion, and son, Robert Bateman of Springfield, Oregon; grandchildren, Rachel Rocha, Changzhou, China, Nicholas Rocha (Naomi) of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Riley Bateman of Springfield, Illinois; sister Kathryn Bateman of Cresco, Iowa; brothers, David (Suzy) Bateman of West Bend, Wisconsin, Tom (Mary) Bateman of Waterloo, Iowa, and Steve (Cheryl) Bateman of Cedar Rapids.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Helen Bateman; brother, Paul Bateman; sister, Ruth Bateman Bruner; son, Michael Bateman; and nephew, Matthew Bisping.

Memorials to the family may be directed to Kathryn Bateman 502 5th Ave W #6, Cresco, Iowa 52136.  In lieu of flowers, donations could be made in his name to The Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.  The family would like to thank the professionals there for taking care of John and keeping him comfortable in his final days.