Larry Dean Gates

Larry Dean Gates of Lime Springs, Iowa, passed away at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., on Thursday, June 8, 2017.

Larry was born in Decorah, Iowa, on October 21, 1950, to Donald and Jeanette (Andersen) Gates.  He grew up on a farm in the Kendallville area and attended country schools there through seventh grade.  He often talked of fun times and still kept in touch with many he attended country school with.  Larry graduated from Cresco in 1968.  Following graduation he attended college at Rochester Community College and then served in the Navy.

Larry married Charlene Tienter in Cherry Grove, Minn., on November 6, 1976.  They were blessed with two children, Ericka and Corey.  In 1980 he and his wife purchased the Rendezvous Lounge in Lime Springs and operated it for 14 years. That same year they purchased the big old brick house on the corner where they still lived.  Larry was an excellent accountant and did books for numerous businesses including Lime Springs Building Center, Lime Springs Co-op, Leroy Auto Clinic and Lime Springs City Clerk.  He also was treasurer for many local organizations over the years.

Any one who knew Larry knew that he had good work ethics and was very organized. He was very punctual and expected that of others as well. Routine was a must for Larry, and he was an early to bed and early to rise person.  In his spare time, Larry enjoyed washing his vehicles, shopping for clothes, or sitting on his front porch at his post watching the traffic and visiting with those walking by. In retirement, Larry took an interest in growing hostas and quickly filled up any shady part of their yard with them.  He was a member of the Shades of Green Hosta Society of Minnesota.  He also participated daily in an internet flower chat board.

Larry always felt blessed to have his children and grandkids so close by to enjoy and watch them grow up.  Family was very important to Larry.  He will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and his contagious laugh.

Larry is survived by his wife, Charlene, daughter Ericka Rice (Dustin Panos) of Cresco, and Corey (Melissa) Gates of Lime Springs; grandsons: Kyle Rice (Morgan Bergan), Devan Gates, Jarrett Rice, and Caden Gates; and two granddaughters, Brandi Rice and Makayla Gates; two brothers, Richard (Carol) Gates of Cresco, Iowa, and David Gates (Hazel) of Colorado; one sister, Donna (Roger) Foote of Lime Springs; and one aunt, Ilene Anderson of Harmony, Minn.  There are many nieces, nephews, and cousins that will miss Larry, especially two close cousins that he kept in touch with daily via internet, Martha (Jerry) Karsnia of International Falls, Minn., and Kathy (Bruce) Fishbaugher of Preston, Minn.

Per Larry’s request, there will be a private family burial.  All family and friends are invited to a celebration of life for him on Saturday, June 17 at the Lime Springs Fish and Game Club from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.