Steve Olin Gates was born November 5, 1959, in Keokuk, IA, and died on April 30, 2024, at Carthage Memorial Hospital in Carthage, IL.
Steve was the jack of all trades and was employed by several places in the Tri-state area. In his early years he worked at Pizza Hut, Happy Homes and Shottenkirk. He later was the owner and operator of Tri-State Pizza Co. Steve was best known for his entrepreneurial attitude and his charismatic personality. He was witty and made everyone laugh around him. Steve was known by many of his close friends as “gator” as he told them he wrestled alligators when living in Florida. He loved tinkering with motors, searching for treasures, collecting antiques, and using his hands to fix anything that was broken. He also enjoyed restoring old Schwinn bicycles. He married Elaine McConnell (Hanks) in 1986, later they divorced in 2001.
Steve is survived by two children: Mathew Gates of Macomb, IL, and Danielle (Mathew) Finin of Davenport, IA; his siblings: Richard (Linda) Gates of the Philippines, Kim (Tim) Schilson of Basco, IL, Patrica (Helmet) Jaeger of East Setauket, NY, Tonya (John) Mulkey of Chuluota, FL, and Margaret Walte of Lomax, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother Maxine Walte, father Richard (Dick) Gates and step-father Edward Walte.
No services will be held at this time.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
