Dale Gates
February 9, 1928 ~ September 2, 2011
Dale M. Gates age 83 of New Hampton died Friday morning, September 2, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at Holy Family Parish - St. Joseph Center, New Hampton with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Hampton with grandsons, Taylor Hopp, Nick Hopp, Logan Hopp, Noah Hopp, Kyle Gates and Hunter Fry serving as pallbearers.
Friends may greet the family 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 6:00 p.m. Parish Scripture Service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at church on Wednesday.
Dale was born February 9, 1928 in Greene, Iowa, the son of Guy and Mildred Gates. He grew up in northeast Iowa and graduated from New Hampton High School, where he was a baseball standout. On November 27, 1950 he was united in marriage to Elaine Ungs, who preceded him in death in 1990 after 39 years of marriage. Choosing to raise his children rather than answering the call of the Major League Baseball draft, where he had the opportunity to play for the Chicago White Sox, the two of them made their home in New Hampton and raised five children. Dale was employed for 35 years with Amana Refrigeration, where he worked as a District Sales Manager.
In July of 1992, he wed Ramona Fox Smith, and they were able to travel and enjoy 19 years together. When not traveling, he could be found with a golf club, fishing pole, or gardening tool in his hand. An avid golfer, he claimed title to many tournaments over the years, and continued to play golf on a regular basis up until his death.
Family was very important to Dale. He took great pride in his five children and delighted in the accomplishments of his grandchildren.
Dale never met a stranger. He had many friends who enjoyed his company, and he always had a story or joke for every occasion. A highlight of his life was his Tuesday evening card games with his friends. Dale loved residing in New Hampton and took pride in maintaining his gardens and providing beautiful light displays at Christmas
for community members to enjoy.
He is survived by his wife Ramona, of 19 years, his children Sue Gates of North Liberty, Karen (Randy) Erion of Decorah, John (Mary) Gates of Cedar Rapids, Lisa (Robert Wilson) Fry of Marion, and Kim (Lynn) Hopp of New Hampton. Dale is also survived by his grandchildren Alison and Stephanie Gates, Abby and Lainey Erion, Kyle, Kellie and Meggie Gates, Hayley, Hunter and Hilary Fry, and Nick, Taylor, Logan and Noah Hopp. He is also survived by his step-children, Mark (Artis) Smith of Des Moines, Jim (Cindy) Smith of Des Moines, John (Gail) Smith of St. Paul, and Margee (Bill) Stamper of Indianapolis. Dale is also survived by his admiring step-grand children and step-great-grand children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elaine; one brother, Keith Gates.
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Truly saddened at his passing.
To Ramona and Dale’s family–I have very fond memories of Dale. One morning before I was in high school I was at the golf course and he and Joe Kerwick let me hit all the balls in my bag and theirs trying to teach me (with no success) to hit a straight drive. He always had a kind word for all. A good man.
Kim and family so sorry to hear the loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prays are with you and your family.
Ramona, Sue, Karen, John, Lisa, Kim, Really sorry for all of your loss. Dale was really one of the great guys.
To the entire Gates family, We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. It is never easy losing that last parent. All your wonderful memories will help ease your pain and will help get you through. We are thinking of you all in our thoughts & prayers. The town of NH lost another great icon.
We were sorry to learn of Dale’s passing, and send our sincere condolences to the entire family.
Kim and Family, It is so hard to lose our parents as you well know. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Aaron & Janet
To Karen & Randy and Kim & Lynn and families….My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time. I pray that warm memories become a blanket of comfort for all of you and you have all the strength you need for this difficult time.
Dear Ramona and family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers and have our deepest sympathy for your loss. May God’s comfort and peace be with you.
My deepest sympathy to the family of Dale. I first met Dale at Amana and had the opportunity of working with him for many years. He was a mentor to me and I learned so much from him it would more than fill a book. Many fond memories of making some dealer calls together along with all the great Amana Dealer trips. Lots of fun at the golf outings and he was always the one to beat. At the last Amana VIP we decided to pick up our Pros together and were late for the plane’s arrival. The Pros had already received a ride to Iowa City so it was an interesting one for us going back by ourselves. Dale was a great guy. He will be missed by all Dale Albright
Gates Family, Thinking of you during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Please know you and your loved ones are in the thoughts of so many us at Grant Wood AEA. I pray for your comfort during this difficult time. Janel
to the gates family i am sorry to hear about dales passing. i always enjoyed seeing him in charles city at the golf course the last few years. i tried to copy his easy swing in new hampton growing up. my sympathies to sue and john and the rest of the kids and to ramona whom i enjoyed seeing with dale over the last years when we ran into one another.
To the Gates kids and Ramona – I was very sorry to hear of Dale’s death and want you to know that our prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Romona,and all of Dale’s family. Our sympathy and prayers are with you all.Dale was a special person and will be missed by so many.Just remember all the good times,and I’m sure there were many.He has a family he was so proud of. Tom and Marian
My condolences to the Gates family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Trace Pickering
To all of Dale’s family. Troy and I will always remember the kindness that your dad showed us when we rented from them years ago. He took Troy in as a son and did things with him, actually the last time I talked to Dale he mentioned that next time Troy was home, they should go golfing. A Good Man with a kind smile. In our thoughts and prayers.
Susie and family, My deepest condolences on the loss of Dale. May he rest in peace and God watch over all of you.
Gates Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have great memories of growing up around the Gate’s house and family. Jerry and Dale always had some good lawn mower discussions when we were neighbors. He will be missed by many. Keep all those great memories close.
To all of Dale’s family – We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. Dale was always a very kind, happy man. He always had a smile on his face and would always stop and chat whenever you saw him. Sue – he put with a lot on those Friday night sleep overs and the ‘big house’ with all of us girls. He is joined now with Elaine and no longer has to feel any earthly pain. Keep all his memories close to your heart at this difficult time, it will help ease the pain. Our love is sent out to each and every one of you. God bless you!!
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. This is one of the most difficult things we must face in our life. May it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. God assures us at Psalms 34:18 that he is near to those broken in heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. Jesus also promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again. Jesus own words found at John 5:28,29 tells us there will be a resurrection. What a wonderful hope! God says that soon on the earth there will be no more pain, suffering and especially death at Revelation 21:3-5 We anxiously await the day when we will no longer lose those we love. May these bible thoughts bring you comfort at this most difficult time.
Ramona & the entire family- Our deepest sympathy. We will surely miss Dale and all of our afternoon get-to-gethers. Duane will especially miss talking with him about the ‘old neighborhood’ and the ‘farm’ . They always had such good talks. Remember all the good times you had and we are all always here for you.
Karen and Randy and the rest of the Gates family: You have our deepest sympathy. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I will be unable to attend your Dad’s wake or funeral as I will be out of town for my niece’s wedding. God Bless!!!
To Ramona and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ed and Sandy Shekleton
Dale was a very special man and friend , it has been a lot of years since we have seen him, but we know he will be missed greatly, our best to the family
Ramona & Family, You have our deepest sympathy. Billy emailed me today about Dale. He was quite a guy. I certainly remember his baseball days on the high school team and the town team. He and Billy had a great friendship and had many fun times together. Roma and I stayed with Bill and Dolly for a couple of nights in June on our way back from Kelly’s Island on Lake Erie. May the Lord give you strength and comfort. JT
To the Gates family, We wanted to extend our sympathy for your loss. Dale was a remarkable father to his children and a caring man to many others he met throughout his life. He always had a minute to visit when you saw him to discuss the golf game or family. May you hold your memories close to your heart and remember all the wonderful times together. Joe and Sharon
Gates family: we are sorry to hear the news of Dale’s passing. May God be with all of you at this sad time and ‘walk with you’ during your journey of grief. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
We are so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. Dale will always be remembered to us as a very caring, familiy oriented person. We remember him as being so much fun – filled with good humor and stories. Dale will be missed. May you find comfort in knowing that he is with Elaine and looking over your shoulder to love and protect you all.
To all of the Gates kids: You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Your parents were great people and I have many fond memories of hanging out at the Gates house and with all of you. It was really great growing up in our neighborhood. God bless you all.
I am sorry to hear that Dale has passed away. You have my sincere sympathy. Through bowling and golf, Dale and I have been friends for many many years and I will miss him. Roger Wheatman Decorah
Our sympathy goes out to all of the Gates’ family–Dale was a wonderful uncle to be around; you always felt good after visiting with him. We will always have special memories of the times our families spent together. Rest in peace in God’s love.
My deepest condolances to Ramona and the entire Gates family on the loss of Dale. He was a remarkable man and mentor to so many. I have too many wonderful memories of Dale from my growing up years to ever count them all. Rest in peace Dale.
Sending prayers up that God helps each of you at this difficult time. May God bless you and keep you.
My heartfelt sympathy to you all…I didn’t know you had lost Dale when I saw you at the ER ~ my apologies for not taking a minute to say hello…just trying to get Uncle Johnny admitted. I can only imagine the Christmas lights in heaven…Put Dale in charge and they’ll be spectacular! Sadly missed but fondly remembered by so many….
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have so many fond memories of your Mom and Dad making me feel so welcomed in your home. I am praying for you all. Remember to hold on to each other.
Extending our deepest sympathy to Dale’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. May fond memories of his ‘Life Well Lived’ bring comfort to you all at this hardest of times.
Our deepest condolences to all of the Gates family. We’ll always have the fond memories of Dale (the stories, his laugh,and his smile).He was my ‘golf dad’ basically tought me the game.Thanks Dale and rest in peace.
Hi Lisa and family – Wishing you all our sympathy at this time of sorrow. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Cindi
Our condolences to the family, Ramona. He will be missed. A great classmate and friend. Wish we could make it to the services
Kim and family, I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. When I think of him, his bright smile and warm personality come to mind. May he rest in peace and may God ‘walk with you’ in your journey of grief. Alice Conlon
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. So many fond memories come to mind when I think of our family and yours during our younger years. I always looked forward to our get togethers. May Dale now rest in peace!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ramona and Dale’s family and friends. Dale was a dear friend on and off the golf course. We admired his spirit and zest for life. Dale you will be missed.
Sincerest condolences to the family. Dale was the first man to ever take me to a golf course and the first man I ever caddied for. Memories go back a long way. He will be missed!
To the whole family, Dale was such a joy to be around and I always looked forward to our afternoon get togethers, he will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.