Gates attended Sheridan Elementary School and Irving Junior High School. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska in 1954. He was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian and First Plymouth Congregational Churches. Gates was President and Chairman of DuTeau Chevrolet in Lincoln from 1983-2002. He served on the Lincoln City Council from 1986-1993, first appointed to fill a vacancy in 1986, then elected to the Council in 1989. He was Chairman of the City Council from 1987-1991. He served as President for a number of civic groups and trade associations, including the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers, Nebraska Automobile Dealers Company, Nebraska-Iowa Chevrolet Dealers Advertising Association, University of Nebraska Rebounders Club, Cornhusker Life Insurance Company, The Nebraska Club, and the Touchdown Club.
Gates served as Chairman for the Omaha Zone Chevrolet Dealer Planning Council, University of Nebraska Alumni Association (where he also served for many years as a Trustee), Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Board of Directors of Lincoln Bank South, Nebraska Association of Commerce and Industry, Cornhusker Life Insurance Company, Lincoln Foundation, University of Nebraska Alumni Association, Bryan Memorial Hospital, Touchdown Club, Downtown Lincoln Association, University of Nebraska Foundation, FirsTier Bank-Lincoln, First Bank-Lincoln, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, The Nebraska Club, Lincoln Chamber Industrial Development Corporation, Lincoln Public Schools Foundation, Madonna Foundation, City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Lincoln Electric System, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Woodmen Accident Life Company, Capitol Association of Retarded Children, Lincoln Foundation, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, and Cornhusker Better Business Bureau.
Gates received the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award for Nebraska in 1983, UNL Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 1986, Lincoln High School Distinguished Alumni Award 1987, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Man of the Year in 1988, University of Nebraska Builder Award in 1991, Burnham Yates Citizenship Award in 1998 and the Business Leadership Award from the UNL College of Business Administration in 2002. He was named to the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame in 2009.
He was a member of Sesostris Temple and Shrine, Lodge 54 AF & FM, Scottish Rite, Royal Order of Jesters, Downtown Lions Club, Nebraska Diplomats, Green Fez, Nebraska Club, and the Executive Club.
Gates is survived by his wife of 66 years, Daisy DuTeau Minnick of Lincoln; children: John Minnick of Wahoo; Sarah (Lynn) Sunderman of Lincoln; Michael (Tamera) Minnick of Lincoln; and Dorothy (David) Romisch, of Overland Park, Kan. He also is survived by four grandchildren: Mary Ruth Sunderman of Lincoln; Andrew (Amber) Romisch, of Columbia, Mo.; Jack Minnick and fiancee Brooke Dornbusch of Lincoln; and Olivia Romisch of Overland Park, Kan. He also is survived by a nephew, William Frank of Welches, Oregon; and a niece, Sarah Frerichs of New York City. Gates is also survived by his beloved cat, Baxter. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jean Frank; and nephew, Richard Frank.
The Minnick family is grateful to the wonderful and compassionate caregivers of Tabitha Hospice, Bryan Hospital, and the Cove for all of their help and support.
Private family graveside service. No visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to either Capital Humane Society, 2320 Park Blvd., Lincoln 68502; Center for People in Need, 3901 N. 27th Street, Lincoln 68521; or Lincoln Children’s Zoo, 1222 S. 27th Street, Lincoln 68502.