Richard "Rich" L. Gates Sr.

Richard (Rich) L. Gates
Des Moines, Iowa

Richard (Rich) L. Gates, Sr., 87 years of age, of Des Moines, Iowa, died on November 13, 2025.

He was born on January 2, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Louis and Josephine (Katzureck) Gates. Rich was raised in the heart of Des Moines, his childhood home was located on Third Street, near St. Mary Catholic Church, the long-time parish home of Rich’s parents, grandparents, and other family members then living in the neighborhood where Casey’s Center, Mercy Hospital, and I-235 are now located. Rich graduated from Dowling High School in 1955 with interests in mechanics and drafting.

In 1957 Rich joined the US Army, serving active duty for four years, followed by several more years in the reserves – all of which he took great pride in his service. While in the Army, Rich was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, for two years and served as a driver for senior officers during this time. Awarded trophies for his driving skills, he was also a member of the driving club “519th TC Road Runners.”

Following the conclusion of his service, Rich worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber for 33 years in roles that ranged from warehouseman to tire inspector in support of Goodyear’s research and quality assurance divisions.

On May 27, 1967, Rich was united in marriage to Beverly Ann Steffenson at First Lutheran Church in Clarion, Iowa, and remained married until Bev’s death in 1986. They established their home on Sampson Street, where he lived for 58 years. Rich and Bev had two children, Richard Jr. and Laura. Rich married Lillian McFarland in 1989 at the Grand View College chapel in Des Moines.

Rich was a person who always acted with a purpose. Using his mind and hands, he was able to repair and build anything he determined to do — from assembling his first boat from bow to stern, to constructing his 3-car garage, to helping with his children’s school projects, to undertaking major house projects, to assisting friends and family with home renovations or restoring their cars to good working condition.

He enjoyed many hobbies over the years including boating, fishing, photography, building and flying model airplanes, target shooting, sewing and quilting, woodworking, and enjoying his John Deere yard tractors.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Josephine Gates; and brother Lawrence Gates. He is survived by his wife, Lillian (McCloney) Gates of Des Moines; son Richard Jr. (Amy) of Joplin, Missouri; and daughter Laura of Altoona, Iowa. Rich’s surviving extended family by marriage to Lil include step-daughter Rhonda (Sven Eric) Cederwall of Bolingbrook, Illinois; step-granddaughter Taliesyn (Kyle Fisher) Cederwall of Ann Arbor, Michigan; sister-in-law Ruth Robasse of Des Moines and brothers-in-law Frank McCloney of Billings, Montana; Ron McCloney (Deb) of New Virginia, Iowa; Rick McCloney (Barb) of Des Moines; Craig (Mary) McCloney of Osceola, Iowa; and Roger (Debbie) McCloney of Norwalk, Iowa. Extended family who preceded him in death include sister-in-law Lois Marie (Floyd) Van Winkle and brothers-in-law Randy Robasse and Everett (Lois Ann) McCloney Jr.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 12:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa. Family will greet guests one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Rich will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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