Joseph B. Coates

Joseph B. Coates passed away at home early in the morning on May 29, 2025. He was born on May 6, 1945, in Stockton, IL to Marion H. and Eloise M (Leitzen) Coates. On June 23, 1972, Joe married Mary E. Hartman at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Freeport, IL.

Joe practiced a lifelong Catholic Faith. He was a 1963 graduate of Dakota High School. He developed a love for riding Harleys early in life and was a member of ABATE and made many annual trips to Sturgis, SD with Mary until 2010. Joe served his country in the Unites States Navy during the Vietnam War as a cook and did much of the cooking at home for the remainder of his life. After serving his country, he became a longtime employee of Kelly Springfield Tire Company and a member of the United Rubber Workers Union. Joe was also a member of the Moose Club and Eagles Club and enjoyed camping and bowling.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Mary; step-son Jim (Lora) Hartman; grandchildren, Samantha (Paige Tessendorf) Hartman, Jimmy (Cassie) Hartman, Danielle (Tom) Lydon and Shawna (Daniel) Zimmerman; 8 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; brother Gary Coates and sisters, Luann Coates and Jackie (Mark) Stocker. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Bobby Coates.

A Visitation will be held at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, IL on Friday, June 6th from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. with Funeral Service following at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a future donation.