Staff Let us introduce ourselves: we are Bates Funeral Chapel.

Joseph F. Bates, CFSP, CPC A 1971 graduate of Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, and a graduate of the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville, Kentucky, Joe has been a licensed funeral director since 1973. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, as well as many Oskaloosa clubs and organizations, including Past President of the Oskaloosa Kiwanis Club and Past Grand Knight of the local Knights of Columbus. He is recognized as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and has also attained the Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC) designation from the Funeral Service Educational Foundation. He has presented many in-service training programs to nursing homes and hospice staff and volunteers, as well as conducting tours for church, school, and other interested organizations.

Carol I. Bates Our Director of Family and Community Services, Carol is also office manager. She is our very active representative within the community, serving on the Board of Trustees of William Penn University, past president of the Oskaloosa Chamber of Commerce, P.E.O., and Mahaska Hospice Endowment Committee, as well as a host of other clubs and organizations within the community. She also gives presentations and talks to interested groups, particularly explaining death to children.

Michael L. Sytsma, CFSP Mike graduated from Oskaloosa Senior High School in 1998, and attended Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. Mike graduated cum laude from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in Cincinnati, Ohio in March of 2001; became a licensed Funeral Director in 2002. Mike and his wife Stacey reside in Oskaloosa. He serves on the Oskaloosa Public Library Board of Trustees. Mike is a member of DMORT team 7, D.H.H.S., and is also a member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He, too, gives talks to church and school groups, and is a member of IFDA and NFDA.

Mari Job Mari has worked part time at the funeral home since 1989, assisting on funerals and visitations. She is married to Steve Job and is an avid collector of antiques.

Joshua J. DeLong Josh is a native of Oskaloosa and a 2004 graduate of Oskaloosa Senior High School. After high school Josh attended Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa and then graduated in August 2007 from the Des Moines Area Community College Mortuary Science program in Ankeny. Josh received his funeral director's license in 2008. He is the son of James and Joni DeLong of Oskaloosa, and attends Good News Chapel.