Thelma M. Gates
November 10, 1925 -
January 5, 2020

Thelma Marie Gates, age 94 of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Hospice Alliance/Hospice House.
Born in Bristol, Kenosha County on November 10, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Roger Dewey and Clara Marie (Krueger) Jackson. She attended Kenosha County schools and was a graduate of Wilmot High School.
On September 9, 1944 at Zion Lutheran Church, Bristol, she was united in marriage to Walter G. Gates. Her loving husband passed away in July of 1993.
She was a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church. Thelma played the organ and piano for almost 70 years; playing at Zion Lutheran Church in Bristol and Peace Lutheran Church in Wilmot. She also played for many weddings, funerals and her children’s school events. She was a member of the Mall Walkers and attended many chili dumps, card parties and Christmas parties.
Thelma was a dedicated wife and mother. She was a very talented seamstress where she used her skills to make clothes for her daughters, and bridesmaid and party dresses for others.
She is survived by her children, Judith Flood, Susan Zirbel, Lawrence (Kathy) Gates, Beverly (Jeff) Bulik and John (Cindy) Gates; her eleven grandchildren, Shawn, Melissa, Heather, Mike, Nick, Sarah, Caroline, Andy, Ben, Allyson and Nicole; her eleven great grandchildren, Deacon, Rayna, Dakota, Logan, Abigail, Arianna, Elianna, Oliver, Ada, Lyric and Kyle; and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene and Edward Jackson; her sisters-in-law, Larraine and Jeanine; her nephew, Eugene Jackson, Jr.; her sons-in-law, Roger Flood and Robert Zirbel; and a great grandchild at birth, Mason.
Service Info
Funeral Services honoring Thelma’s life will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5927 37th Avenue. Interment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. A visitation for Thelma will be held at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church would be appreciated.
Posted by:
Phyllis (Krahn) KaufmanSorry I couldn't make the funeral since I am now living in Tennessee. I did miss seeing Thelma after I moved. She always had a smile on her face and was very friendly. Judith how is your tree research going? Feel free to contact me if you need any help. Miss your family. Phyllis
Posted by:
Pastor Scott & Christine OelhafenLarry & Kathy, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the passing of your mom. We were glad to meet her over the years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waukesha when she'd come to worship God with us. What a kind Christian lady. While we are sad for you, we are happy for her and look forward to seeing her in heaven. Her pain is no more. Prayers for you that God will bring comfort and peace!







