Dell Gates, 84

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DEL NORTE—Del Norte resident Dell Gates was born Oct. 23, 1933, celebrated his 84th birthday and died at the Rio Grande Hospital, and began his new life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Oct. 25, 2017.
Dell was born in Saguache County to Herschel and Emma (Meining) Gates and he enjoyed an adventurous life through his early childhood in Summitville.
He later graduated from Del Norte High School, then enlisted in the Navy where he served on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Oriskany. After returning home, Dell started his dozer business and in 1958 married Lola Mae Mueller.
In addition to enjoying his work, Dell liked spending time in the mountains – fishing, hunting, jeeping and camping with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years; his three children – Wanda (Allen) Stolp, Jeffrey (Kim) Gates of Del Norte and Len (Toni) Gates of Buena Vista; his grandsons Jon (Azure) Gonzales, Lincoln and Landry Gates, and great granddaughter Thalia; one brother Melvin (Barbara) Gates; and several nephews, a niece and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Martin.
Dell was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where a memorial service was held at on Monday, Oct. 30 at 1811 Grand Avenue in Monte Vista. A graveside service was held at the Veterans’ Cemetery located at Homelake.
Memorial contributions are suggested for The Gideons International in their work of Bible distribution, in care of Strohmayer’s Funeral Home in Monte Vista.