Mary Ann Gates, age 89, a lifelong Manitowoc resident, entered eternal life on Thursday, May 4, 2023.
She was born February 26, 1934 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late William and Theresa (Haws) Klackner. Mary attended Lincoln High School, graduating with the class of 1952. On November 28, 1953, she married Robert “Bob” D. Gates at Holy Innocents Catholic Church, Manitowoc. He preceded her in death on May 6, 2020. Mary was employed in various administrative positions over the years, but her main focus was always on raising her family. In her early years, she was a member of Christian Mothers. She enjoyed gardening and was an excellent cook. Mary also had a love for crafts. She mastered every type of project she tackled and kept her hands constantly busy.
Mary is survived by two daughters: Linda Gates, Green Bay, and Kathy (Steven) Soukup, Sturgeon Bay; three grandchildren: Melissa (Adam) Polcen, Michael (Allison) Le, and Libby Le; and five great-grandchildren: David and Everett, Josephine, Isabelle, and Violet. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert Gates; her parents: William and Theresa Klackner; her son: James Gates; two sons-in-law: Quang-Trung Le and Thomas Lehmkuhl; her sister and brother-in-law: Lorraine (Gordon) Bartelme; brother and sister-in-law: Paul (Janet) Klackner; an infant sister: Betty Klackner; sister-in-law: Betty Giese; brother-in-law: Michael Ogle; and one nephew: William Bartelme.
Private memorial services will be held for the family at Calvary Catholic Chapel Mausoleum, Manitowoc, at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Gates family with funeral arrangements.
