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Wilton Gates Obituary
75 of Surprise, AZ, passed away on April 20, 2011. He was born Feb. 27, 1936 in Chicago son of Beulah and Irving Gates. Graduated in 1954 from Waukegan Township High School then graduated in 1958 from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois with a BS in science. Served in the U.S. Army as a medical assistant from 1959 to 1964 spending 2 years in Germany. Married Sharon Brandt December 22, 1959. Joined Upjohn Pharmaceutical as a salesman where he worked from 1960 to 1992. Bill received "Top Salesman Award" 8 times during his career. He was a member of the Rotary, Kiwanis, and an active member of his church. His hobbies included fishing, boating, cross stitch, barbecuing and gardening which he enjoyed during retirement. Survivors include his wife of 51.5 year Sharon, his son Adam Gates of Winthrop Harbor, Il., daughter Sheri (Brad) Carriger of St. Charles, Mo., 5 granddaughters, Amanda, and Helen Gates, Megan and Karl McBride, Riley and Taylor Carriger, and 1 great-grandson Konan McBride. He is also survived by a brother Dan (Edie) Gates of Olatha, Ks. Memorial service will be at 11AM Saturday, April 30, at Grace Community Church, 16165 W. Mountain View Blvd. in Surprise. Memorials may be made to the church in Bill's name for a stained glass window in Bill's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilton Gates
4 Entries
Larry & Eleanor Haas
May 2, 2011
Dear Sharon and Family,
We were shocked and sorry to hear of Bill's death. We fully intended to be there at the memorial service, but that was not to be. Trusting your church family will be of a big support to you in these days of loss. God Bless you.
May 2, 2011
Dear Sharon & family,
We were so shocked and sorry to hear about Bill. We fondly look back on our years together in Waukegan & at Immanuel. We extend our deepest sympathy to you, Adam, Shari & family.
With love,
Doug & Vicki Leafblad
Ruth Ann & Bill Wighaman
April 30, 2011
We will miss Bill and his stories & jokes so much. He was a special man, one of a kind. Our sympathy & prayers to Sharon and the family. May God Bless you all at this time.
Jim Nutt
April 28, 2011
Bill was a great college roommate. I hold fond memories of good times, jokes and laughter, and lots of hard study.
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