Kenneth E. Gates

Kenneth Gates Obituary

GATES Kenneth E. Gates, 68 of Loda, formerly of Tinely Park, died at 8:15 A.M. Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at his home. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 P.M. Friday, May 28, 2010 at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton with Rev. Scott Huggins officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Gates was born June 27, 1941 in Chicago the son of Charles E. and Mary Louise Harrell Gates. He married Donna L. Moss June 27, 1959 at St. Albert the Great, Burbank, Illinois. She survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Kimberly (Greg) Schmidt of Clarkville, TN, Debora (John) Scherer of Mokena, IL, Tracey (John) Dahlman of Loda; five grandchildren, Amanda Robinson, Andrew Dahlman, Melissa Scherer, Brittany Dahlman and Courtney Dahlman; two sisters, Nancy McAley and Donna Norris both of Arkansas and one brother, Bill Gates of Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Gates attended Reavis High School in Burbank, IL. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-1964. He attended Moraine Valley College, Palos, IL and Governors State University, University Park. He graduated from the FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia in 1983. He retired as Lt. Commander of the Tinley Park Police Department in 1992. He then served as Chief of Police in Bonner Springs, Kansas from 1993-1998. In 1998 he and his wife moved to Loda. He was a member of the South Suburban Chiefs of Police, Illinois Police Chiefs Association, and the FBI National Academy. He was also a member of the Buckley American Legion Post and past president of the Lake Iroquois Association and was webmaster for the Lake Iroquois website. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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Published by SouthtownStar on May 27, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Gates

6 Entries

Beth & Henderson Frances

May 22, 2011

Almost one year has passed, and you are still missed by many. Gone but not forgotten. Our prayers are still with you and family. Peace to all.

Mary Scott

May 22, 2011

I wish peace and happy memories for the Gates/Dahlman families now and always. Rest in Peace, Mr. Gates and watch over your loving family until you meet again.

Reavis H.S. Class of 1960

June 7, 2010

Dear Donna and Family, We are sadden to hear of Ken's passing. Please accept our most deepest sympathies, and know that he will be remembered by many.

Mary Scott

May 28, 2010

There is a lot I knew about Mr. Gates and a lot that I had yet to know. His daughter, Tracey, and I had planned some summer adventures which included Mr. and Mrs. Gates. I was looking forward to getting to know him better. It saddens me that I never got that chance. But, that’s not altogether true. Because I have learned so much more about him this past week. I’ve learned about his life through memories and pictures from his family and friends. I learned that he was a fiercely loyal family man. But, mostly I learned that his sudden passing has devastated the Gates/Dahlman families. He was the true Patriarch of his clan. I know that he has passed on his great strength and determination to his kids and grandkids. I know that they will always honor Mrs. Gates and treat her like the treasure that she is. He’d expect no less. I pray that in time they will all feel peace again. It is my sincere wish that Mr. Gates’ larger than life presence will continue to surround them and comfort them.

Michael Wasserberg

May 28, 2010

Donna and family;
My deepest condolensces for your loss. It's somewhat of a miracle that I checked this sight for the first time today. Ken was an unforgettable and caring person. I have wonderful memories from the years we spent working together on the Tinley Park Bicycle Safety Council. He was the tough cop (with a heart as big as the universe), I was a "wet behind the ears" newspaper editor with the Tinley Park Times-Herald and together we found a way to serve the youth of Tinley Park. I have tons of memories of how we spent years years teaching each other and serving the community. I know you must have scores of memories. Hold on to those as you work through this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.

Jeanne Condon

May 27, 2010

Donna and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ken was a great guy and I was glad to know him and work with him in Tinley Park. God bless you and your family at this time. I know how hard it is.

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