Donald “Don” H. Gates, 78, of Bettendorf, Iowa passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Genesis Medical Center with his daughter by his side. Services will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 11am at Redeemer Lutheran Church; visitation will be before the service starting at 10am. He will be inurned at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery following the service. Memorials in Donald’s name may be made to King’s Harvest Animal Rescue or to Redeemer Lutheran Church Youth Ministries.
Don was born on March 8, 1945 to Donald and Iona Gates in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He served with the United States Navy as a Naval Corpsman during the Vietnam War serving on the front line. He worked for various companies across the country doing Construction Management. Don’s hobbies included wood working, stained glass and was an avid boater. He was a passionate volunteer with the USO and loved working with those in need. Don’s main love was his family, supporting his children and grandchildren.
Those left to honor his memory are his daughters Gretchen (Randy) Smith and Wendy Bolling; grandchildren Alex Bolling, Megan Smith, Maxwell Smith, Benjamin Smith, and Meier Smith; former wife Susan Gates; brother-in-law Jeff (Susie) Seitz; nephews Andy Seitz and Adam Seitz; niece Lindsey Burke; along with many other nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, son Nicholas Seitz Gates; and his sisters Donna McGuire, Pam Gates, and Sandra Anderlik.
