Robert R. Oates, 81, of De Pere died Saturday evening, May 18, 2013 at home. The son of the late William and Mary (Hendrickson) Oates was born July 28, 1931 in Green Bay. On February 4, 1956, he married Aileen Kennin in Green Bay. He was a Korean War Veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. Bob worked for the Army Corps of Engineers all of his life. He started with the Corps on the St. Lawrence Seaway Project and, upon completion of the Seaway Project, he was assigned to the Buffalo Locks in New York. During his career, he and Aileen moved to many locations, and he finished his career in Little Rapids (De Pere), serving as Lockmaster for over 25 years. He loved being on the water, the family cottage in Dyckesville, and enjoyed boating. Bob enjoyed following the Packers, Brewers, and his daily crossword puzzles. Survivors include his wife, Aileen, his children, James (Mary) Oates, Lori (Hank) Van Stedum, Lisa (Gene) Dorner, Jeffrey (Dawn) Oates, Michael Oates, 12 grandchildren, Ashley and Scott Oates, Christopher (Amber) and Brian (Andrea) Van Stedum, Lindsey, Andrew, and Adam Dorner, Timothy (Heather), Ashley and Steven Oates, Lucas and Tyler Oates, three great-grandchildren, Natalie, Savannah and Samuel, one sister, Mercedes Stievo. He was preceded in death by one son, Steven, two daughters-in-law, Kris and Michele, his parents and two siblings, Harold Oates and Janet Ensor, as well as his in-laws, Otto and Nora Kennin. Family and friends may call at St. John Lutheran Church 1700 Lost Dauphin Drive, De Pere from 3:00 to 6:00 pm on Wednesday May 22, 2013. Funeral services will be held at the church at 6:00 pm on Wednesday with Rev. Brian W. Cain and Rev. Andrea L. Cain officiating. Burial services will be held on Thursday at Brookside Cemetery. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Oates family. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Volk, Dr. De Groot and the staff at Unity Hospice for their care and compassion.