Rowland Bateman

Rowland Bateman, age 76, of Elburn, rose with Christ and claimed the promise of his Savior, Friday, April 19, 2019.
He was born December 17, 1942 in Aurora, IL, to proud parents, Ralph and Neva Bateman.
Rowland grew up on the family farm in Elburn and attended local schools. He graduated Kaneland High School with the class of 1960, and he was always proud to say that he was among the second graduating class to go through Kaneland. There he made name for himself in 4-H, FFA and the choir.
Rowland went on to attend University of Illinois where he studied agriculture before returning to the farm, where he continued to farm alongside his father in 1964.
Rowland was led by fate, and family tradition to a certain extent, when he met Stephanie “Stevie” Nelson on a blind date, just as Rowland’s parents met on a blind date. A mutual friend set them up for a date at the alumni dance and before you knew it, Rowland danced away with her heart. They were united in marriage on December 29, 1962 at the United Methodist Church in Batavia, IL. They made their home back on the Bateman farm where they began raising a family.
Rowland farmed for most of his life, tending to the fields and cattle. When the rigors of farm life took their toll, Rowland began selling real estate through local Elburn agencies and later opened Bateman and Company, his own venture. Rowland ended his time in the work force by selling Snap-On Tools. Snap-On combined two of his favorite things, selling and talking to people. Retirement came gradually and Rowland eventually laid down his tools.

Rowland never limited himself to just one church, but worshipped at many, including the Elburn Community Congregational Church, where he sang in the choir, Hope Anglican Church, and the Grace Fellowship Church in Maple Park. Both Rowland and Stevie faced their deepest sorrow when they lost their son James “Jimmy” Bateman. That loss led them both to Tri-City Gideon’s, where he dedicated the last thirteen years of his life. Rowland held the offices of president, vice president and chaplain, but spent many years evangelizing by hosting youth groups at the family farm, and participating in a Monday morning prayer group at the Kaneville Fire Department.
Rowland was a chaplain who not only led, but walked side by side with so many through their darkest times. His dedication to AA as a member, and later a mentor, taught many how to walk the steps back to salvation. His fellowship was sought after by many and a friendship with Rowland was one for life. In his early years, Rowland loved playing cards, especially Cribbage and enjoyed Backgammon as well. He had a special place in his heart for dogs, which started with his first childhood dog, Shep, a Border Collie mix and enjoyed going to farm sales. At one point, he even bought a whole hay rack full of bicycles, none of them in working order mind you, but secretly he went for the conversation and to get the latest gossip. Gardening was also a passion and in recent years he traveled often to Amazing Grace Antiques in Elburn for coffee, stories, memories and even more gossip. His voice was a gift from God and his range stretched from tenor down to baritone. It rang not only in the many churches where he worshipped, but also down the street, in the yard and basically anywhere and anytime. As a grandfather, he always loved to attend his grandchildren’s activities and school projects.
He is survived by his loving wife, Stevie Bateman; three sons: Kent (Lea) Bateman, Philip Bateman and Dan (Angie) Bateman; Travis and Ryan Bateman, Anna and Melanie Bateman, and Mitch, Trevor and Kei’anna Bateman; two siblings: Alverna Vaughn and David (Carol) Bateman; one brother-in-law, John Greenawalt; a sister-in-law, Mary Bateman; many nieces, nephews and cousins;
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Neva Bateman; his one son, James Rowland Bateman; one sister, Virginia Greenawalt; one brother Glenn Bateman.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Community Congregational Church in Elburn. Additional visitation will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2019, also at the church. Interment will be private family only.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Rowland’s name. Checks may be made to the “Rowland Bateman Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Additional visitation will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2019, also at the church.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Community Congregational Church in Elburn.

Interment will be private family only.