Joseph R. "Joe" Cates

Joe was born on October 3, 1931 in Mattoon, IL, to Joseph and Myrtle. He married Nancy Deetz on November 24, 1955, and she preceded him in death on June 10, 1996. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marge McGinn, and son Joseph Michael.

Joe graduated from Mattoon High School in 1950, served in the U.S. Army in 1951 and 1952 and graduated from the Army Finance School in 1951. He then graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1955, going on to earn his C.P.A. in 1965. He was a lifelong learner, still attending law school in his 80’s.

Joe was self-employed as a C.P.A. for many years, also working at Klein, Brown, and Carter, then retiring as a Senior Appeals Officer from the I.R.S. He served as Chairman of the Bar- C.P.A., Liaison with I.R.S. Committee of the Illinois Society of C.P.A.’s from 1972-1976. He also worked as a court mediator in Zephyr Hills, FL, where he and Nancy lived for several years. Joe was also a friend of Bill W’s for over 30 years, and had many life-long friends, some he still kept in touch with from grade school. He always had a story to tell, and had a great sense of humor. He and Nancy traveled extensively, and he continued to travel after her death.

Joe and Nancy had six children: Joe (dec’d) (Valerie), Betsy (Mike) Calvin of Springfield, Cathy (Steve) Abney, of Williamston, KY, Mary (Mike) Sunley of Springfield, John (partner Jim Coyle) of Palm Springs, CA, and Tom (Jobi) of Evanston, IL. He was Grandpa Joe to nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and Uncle Joe to several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

Cremation rites will be accorded by Bisch & Son Funeral Home. A memorial mass celebrated by Rev. Clint Honkomp O.P. will be held at St. Aloysius Church, 2119 N 20th St, Springfield, IL 62702, on Saturday, August 29, 2015, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association.

Please share in Joe’s online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com