Ronald A Gates

Ronald A. Gates, 81
Rockford- Ronald A. Gates, 81 passed away Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born March 7, 1935 in Gays Mills, WI, and the son of Sheldon E. & Julia E. (Lowe) Gates. He worked as an electrician for Springfield Tire, Rockford Clutch formally Borg Warner. Married Elizabeth Thrower in Rockford on August 23, 1986.
Ronald’s passion was flying and playing the guitar, in addition to boating, gardening, designing and making furniture, reading, feeding squirrels and animals, but most of all spending time with family and friends. He was known as a jokester always making people smile. He will be truly missed.
He is survived by wife Elizabeth and her four children; son Michael; daughter Diane; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers Orland (Ann) and Orvin (Dannis) Gates. He is predeceased by parents and one sister.
Private visitation and service was held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, Il. 61103. Send online condolence to www.fitzgeraldfh.com