Carol Gates

Gates, Carol B. The world lost a most kind person September 11, 2006. Carol fought an undaunted battle with lung cancer. She remained positive and ever strong. Carol was born March 27, 1937 in Milwaukee, WI to Adam and Mary Becker. She left the family farm in 1953 and moved to Minneapolis. She met Fred Gates in 1957 and they were married February 28, 1958. They remained married for 25 years until they decided to explore life separately. Carol met Thomas Nelson in 1984 doing something they both loved; dancing. They took on many ventures together including renovating condemned buildings for low income housing in Mpls and many charitable events with the South Tonka Lions especially for local food shelves. They enjoyed numerous adventurous trips together with friends. Carol also traveled frequently with son Fred, daughter Caroline and Caroline's partner Kim. Having never said no to a new adventure she even experienced parasailing at the age of 66! Preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Ann Horonitz and Nancy Strand, brothers, Allen and Eddie Becker; former husband, Frederick C. Gates, Sr.; and baby daughter, Lisa Marie. Those she left to continue exploring life's adventures are, partner and confidant, Thomas Nelson; son, Frederick C. Gates Jr.; daughter, Caroline Gates (Kim Mattaini); sister, Ruth (Kenny) Jacobi; brother, Johnny Becker; brother-in-law, Merlin Strand; Tom's children, Kathy Nelson, Steve (Karen) Nelson, and KariAnn Nelson; step- grandmother to adored grandchildren, Katie, Kaiti, Kara, and Krissy; many nieces and nephews and host of friends. A special thank you to the Methodist Hospital Cancer Center particularly Dr. Michaela Tsai and RN, Cindy Swenson. Thank you to RNs Yvonne and Karen from Methodist Hospice for the loving care they administered. A grateful thank you to Brook Weiszel who provided attentive and loving care to Mom. Carol touched many lives with her caring and giving manner. She always tried to make everyone's day brighter with a kind word, loving gesture or a smile. Following her faith, Carol is at peace. Memorials preferred to Methodist Hospital Cancer Center. To honor Carol's work with the local food shelves, please bring a nonperishable food item to the Memorial Service. Memorial Service Thursday 7 PM with visitation starting at 5 PM at: Washburn-McReavy Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400 7625 Mitchell Road (1 blk N. of Hwy 5)

Carol Gates

September 14, 2006

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