Robert “Bob” D. Gates, age 87, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Wednesday evening, May 6, 2020 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center in Manitowoc.
Bob was born on April 15, 1933 in Manitowoc. He was the son of the late Carl and Dorothy Duenkel Gates. Bob attended Lincoln High School in Manitowoc which was followed by two years as an apprentice machinist at the Manitowoc Company. He then entered the United States Army in 1953 and was honorably discharge in 1955. Bob then returned to Manitowoc and became employed with the Manitowoc Company for the next 43 years retiring in 1995 as the quality control manager. On November 28, 1953 he married Mary A. Klackner at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Bob was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. His wife and family were his life.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years: Mary; three children, Linda Gates and Tom Lehmkuhl, Green Bay, James Gates and Donna Reid, Suamico, Kathy (Steven) Soukup, Sturgeon Bay; three grandchildren, Melissa (Adam) Polcen, Michael (Allison) Le, and Liddy Le; five great grandchildren, David and Everett, Josephine, Isabelle, and Violet; one brother, Michael Ogle, Port Washington, nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorothy Gates and one sister, Betty Giese.
Complying with the Wisconsin’s protocol for COVID-19 guidelines, a private memorial service for the family will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Monday, May 11, 2020. Officiating will be Rev. Bill Evans. Following the memorial service military honors will be provided at the funeral home by the Viet Nam Veterans of America Chapter #731. Entombment will take place at Calvary Mausoleum in Manitowoc. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair Streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements
