Gregory Dean Gates, 72, of Otley, formerly of Ottumwa, died at 9:45 p.m. April 24, 2024 at his home.
He was born March 31, 1952 in Ottumwa to Harvey J. and Helen A. Goode Gates.
A 1971 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Greg had worked at Universal Rundel before starting his career at Burlington Northern Railroad. Also working as a conductor for Amtrak, Greg retired from the railroad as a conductor after 38 years.
He lived in Ottumwa on the river until the floods of 1993 and then moved to Burlington. After retiring, he went to automotive school and was proud to help rebuild his Ford Mustang. In 2021 he moved to a log cabin at Lake Red Rock.
Greg loved living on the river and enjoyed boating and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a big game hunter in the Rocky mountains, he never killed anything but just enjoyed the scenery for 25 of the last 30 years. He loved his dogs, many of them being named “Lady”
Surviving is his sister, Debbie (Mark) Lewis of Bend, OR; his brother, Kurt (Cindi) Gates of Ottumwa; several nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Margaret Gates, Neta Gates and Kathy Gates, all of Ottumwa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Bill Gates, Duane Gates and Van Gates and the love of his life, Dara.
Visitation will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 28th, at Reece Funeral Home. The family will be present to greet friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, April 29th, at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
