Elmer Gates

Elmer Frank Gates was a man of exceptional character. Whether he was bravely serving his country or proudly supporting his family, he did everything with a diligent and conscientious attitude.

The 1920s were an exciting time for Americans, as the arts flourished and jazz became a part of popular culture. It was a particularly exciting decade for Charles Myron Gates and Christina Beers, who welcomed the birth of their fourth child, Elmer, into the family. Elmer joined his older siblings Charles, Richard, and Clarence, and was followed by his younger sister, Nancy.

The family lived on Foster NE in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Elmer enjoyed an ordinary childhood, attending the local elementary school with his many friends and peers. A bright young student, Elmer went on to attend Creston High School through the tenth grade. Showing his dedicated work ethic at a young age, Elmer worked at a soda shop near their family home.

The United States fell on hard times in the 1930s and 1940s, and the Great Depression and the War meant that Americans had to work especially hard to provide for their families. Seeing this struggle as a call to duty, Elmer bravely answered the call of his country by joining the Navy. He served in Alaska for a time, followed by the South Pacific for four years in active duty. He then spent eight years in the Navy reserve. It was not unlike Elmer to go above and beyond to ensure the safety of others, and his time in the Navy is a perfect display of his courage.

Elmer's brother Richard had an auto shop called Gates Auto Service, located on Plainfield. There Elmer drove a wrecker picking up cars for repair and often taking them to wherever the customer wanted. Elmer was great with cars, and was tenaciously committed to his craft.

One place his job took him was Gezon Motors, where he would meet the love of his life, Dorothy Myers. Dorothy ran the front desk at Gezon, where Elmer had to check in each time he stopped in. The two talked often, and Elmer finally asked her out for a dinner date. Dorothy said yes, and they had an amazing time. So amazing, in fact, that Elmer had two questions for her as he drove her home that night: "Can you cook?" and "Will you marry me?" Needless to say, Dorothy answered yes to both, and the two became nearly inseparable.

Elmer's first objective was to build a home for his new family to live after they got married. He did so, and built a beautiful, brand new home on North Kentview NE. They married two years later on April 21, 1959 by a Justice of the Peace. Honeymooning in Niagara falls, the couple had a great time and made many memories. Upon their return as husband and wife from their honeymoon, they moved into their brand new home fully furnished and paid for.

Love filled Elmer's heart not only for Dorothy, but her son Fred who he took in as his own. An outstanding father, he taught Fred the importance of honest, hard work. The very house they lived in was proof of Elmer's commitment to getting a job done right. Even the lawn was meticulously cared for as Elmer made sure there was never even a blade of grass out of place. Elmer loved to fish, and the family enjoyed fishing trips together.

After twenty years, the Gates Auto Service was sold. Elmer went to work for American Auto Parts, installing windshields and worked the counter until retiring at age 66. Their son Fred eventually moved to Arizona, and Elmer and Dorothy loved going to visit him. They also took an Alaskan cruise and loved traveling together. Spiritual hymns were comforting to Elmer, and he was very interested in current events and watching the news every night. He also watched police shows as well as the History and Discovery channels. Elmer also loved to read. He was known to devour the morning paper everyday as well as many mystery novels. He was active as a member of the American Legion, where he had many friends. For 30 years, Elmer dressed as Santa Clause each Christmas to entertain the hearts of many children. Although it was fun for them, it was indeed a blessing for Elmer.

Elmer loved to eat, and especially loved stuffed pork chops, watermelon, root beer and pretzels, any meat, potatoes and gravy. He often helped cook the chili and spaghetti sauce and was the "official" food taster of any and all meals.

Elmer and Dorothy stayed in their house until 2008 when they moved to Villa Maria Retirement Community where they made many new friends. They were a warm and inviting couple, and were easily well-liked. He and Dorothy enjoyed going out to dinner every weekend to The Outback, and Perkin's restaurants among others and often took in a good movie.

In February of 2010, Elmer suffered a major stroke which put him in the hospital for several months as it paralized him on one side. Through much therapy and struggle, he learned to walk again. Anyone who knew Elmer knew that he was capable of great and amazing things. He later moved to Heartland Health Care and later to Christian Rest Home. They had an independent living facility there, and Dorothy decided to move there so she and her husband could stay together.

In February of 2011, he contracted the flu and suffered another stroke, which he never fully recovered from. He had a history of congestive heart failure and diabetes, which were a constant struggle for him. His health diminished and he was placed under hospice. Unfortunately, Elmer died at the Christian Rest home Thursday, June 2, 2011 lovingly surrounded by his loving family.

Elmer will be remembered as a fun loving, kind, mild mannered, gentle, dedicated husband, brother, father, friend to all who knew him. He was a happy person with a warm smile, and a friend you could always count on. Elmer will be so deeply missed.

Elmer Frank Gates was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles, Richard and Clarence. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dorothy Gates (Szudera); his son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Shirley Myers; his sister, Nancy Ranta; brother-in-law, and sisters-in-law, Stan and Marian Szudera and Rose Nichols; several nieces and nephews and many friends. A service to celebrate Elmer’s life will be held on Monday afternoon at 1:30 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral home on Sunday from 6-9 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to Christian Rest Home Foundation or Spectrum Health Hospice. To read more about Elmer’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.