Joseph F. Gates, age 78, a resident and in-house television programmer of Evergreen Retirement Community, passed away Monday, February 2, 2009. Joe was born in Chicago on May 28, 1930 to Clyde and Millitta (Gleiss) Gates. He married Joan Wiertick on September 26, 1952 in Chicago.
Joe was a Deacon with the Green Bay Diaconate and formerly the Milwaukee Diocese. He served Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Oshkosh. He was a long time resident of West Bend which he considered his home for 30 years. There he served as Alderman and president of the city counsel for 17 years. Joe served in the Army National Guard for ten years and retired from Siemens.
He will be remembered most for his lifelong commitments and dedication to helping others. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joan and his cherished daughter Gayle of Oshkosh. He was preceded in death by his son Gary, brother Jim and his parents.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00AM, Thursday, February 5, 2009 at the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish - St. Peter Site, 449 High Ave., with Father James Jugenheimer officiating. Light refreshments will be served immediately after mass. A memorial service will also be held at the Evergreen Retirement Community, 1130 N. Westfield, on Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 at 9:15AM.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions in Joe's name be made to Evergreen Retirement Care Assurance Program. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.comto send online condolences to the family.
Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services (920) 236-7750 www.seefeldfuneral.com