Michael August Bante

Michael A. Bante, age 77, of Camdenton, MO passed away suddenly April 3rd, 2024.

Michael was born on December 28th, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, to his parents Dorothea and August Bante. When telling stories of his childhood, he fondly recalled spending time with his family at Walleye Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks fishing, swimming and waterskiing. Michael loved “the lake life” and it became part of his soul.

As a young adult, Michael “Crash” Bante attended Lafayette High School where he participated in basketball, baseball and track. Upon graduation in 1964, he attended Southeast Missouri State University where he earned a degree in Biology and Chemistry. It was during this time that he met his wife Linda in an Abnormal Psychology class. A mutual friend introduced them and that was it. Six months later, they were married. After college, Michael began his career at K-V Pharmaceutical Company as a bench chemist.

In 1981 Michael and his family moved to Puerto Rico to start a new chapter in their lives. Michael worked as the Director of Quality Control for Schering Plough. During his time on the island Michael, Linda and the family made many dear friends - - Many of whom they are still in touch with today. The Bante family lived, loved, worked and played in Puerto Rico for 10 years. Family gatherings often bring back fond memories and stories from their time there.

Michael’s job moved the family back to the states in 1991, where they lived in Naperville, Illinois for 17 years. After his work in Naperville had concluded, Michael and Linda retired to Lake of the Ozarks. Michael stayed active by serving as a board member of his condo association for many years. At Sportsmans, residents remember Michael as their “go to” guy for everything. He served as dockmaster, pool man, handyman, treasurer and secretary.

He enjoyed time spent with his children, grandchildren, and friends. Whether it was pulling people around the lake on a tube for hours, teaching the kids how to water ski, grilling amazing steaks, serving the perfect happy hour, or shaking the perfect martini, Pops aimed to make everyone’s day at the lake perfect. He loved to hear the words “Thanks Pops!”

Michael is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda; his sister Barbara (Dennis) Bequette; his three daughters Angela (Scott) Mushkin, Melinda (Mike) Burns and Susanna (Wayne) Hartmann; his son Greg (Katy) Bante; his 10 grandchildren; Riley, Ryann, Bobby, Reagan, and Reese (Mushkin); Jack and Isabella (Hartmann); Madeline, Eleanor, Bennett (Bante).