Neil S. Gates

Neil was born at home December 22, 1931 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Son of Albert and Dorothy Gates (Stronks). He graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1949. He served in the US Naval Air from 1950-1954 during the Korean War. While serving he faithfully sent his parents a letter every week describing his adventures. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering earning a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1963. While attending school he met the love of his life Carol J. Schulenburg and they were married April 12, 1958. For their honeymoon, they traveled across the United States where they fell in love with Colorado.

Shortly after graduation, they loaded everything they had and moved to Littleton, Colorado. There he designed and built his own home high on the hillside where he had an unbroken view of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. They spent the rest of their lives raising two children Craig and Alyson. Neil worked for the City and County of Denver as the Chief Mechanical Engineer in the building Department until his retirement in 1988. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and Disabled Veterans. Neil loved to be with friends and family. He enjoyed traveling cross-country in his 1965 Ford truck and Blue Ribbon camper. He also enjoyed to hike, rollerblade, bike and play cards of any type, but Euchre and Canasta were his favorite! Boy, did he laugh and get in a few joyful arguments playing cards. He always had a smile on his face, bounce to his step and could make anyone laugh. He could solve any mechanical problem and was willing to help anyone.

His genuine love of life, and God, will be missed.  He taught his grandchildren about Good Times custard, drinking beer responsibly and opportunity curves. He is doing the Polka with Carol and laughing with his sister Ginny Wjota(Gates), parents and many friends in heaven. Neil is survived by his son Craig A. Gates, daughter Alyson M. Fritz(Gates), and Grandchildren; Tyler and Nicole Fritz.

Neil’s funeral mass will be on Friday September 8th at 12:30 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 6853 S. Prince St. Littleton, CO in St. Joseph’s Chapel, which is located across the parking lot from the main church. He will be buried with full military honors alongside Carol in Littleton Cemetery. We must say goodbye, but will never forget our father and grandpa.