Moine R. Gates

To view a recording of Moine's memorial service, click the following link. https://youtu.be/bB4AdWprBXA

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Moine Ray Gates on April 27,2023 in Mesa, Arizona.

Moine Ray Gates was born on October 30, 1940 in Minot, North Dakota to Astrid and Moine L. Gates.  He grew up in Plaza, ND and graduated from Plaza High School in 1958.

Moine served in the Air Force from 1960-1964 with an honorable discharge. He was stationed at Minot Air Force Base and Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. While he was at Minot Air Force Base he met (Joan) Sharon Coons. They were married on August 26, 1962.

Sharon stayed in Minot to finish college and Moine went to the Philippines. He returned to Havre, Montana in March,1964 where Sharon was teaching school. He attended college at Northern Montana State College and in 1965 transferred to the University of North Dakota where he received his Bachelors and Masters degrees.

Moine taught business classes at Valley, Red River, and Grand Forks Central until 1989 when he became the first Technology Director for the Grand Forks Public School District.

Moine was very civic minded.  He was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 1981 where he served until 1993. He was the Chairperson for the House Education Committee from 1986-1993. He was a member of the Grand Forks Chamber, South Forks Lions Club, and the Utility Shareholders Board.

Moine retired from the school system in 1996 and became a realtor for Crary Homes and Real Estate from 1996-2002.

Moine and Sharon have been members of Calvary Lutheran Church since 1965.

Moine and Sharon loved to travel.  They toured the 50 states in their many RV’s. They also traveled to many foreign countries on land tours and cruise ships. One of his special memories was being able to meet several of his mother’s relatives in Finland. They have many fond memories of all the friends they traveled with and all that they met along the way.

Since 2002 they have spent the winters in Arizona and the summers in Grand Forks.

Moine loved to golf, read, travel, and do the puzzles in the Herald. He spent time studying his family genealogy. He enjoyed having coffee with friends.

Moine was diagnosed with leukemia in 2022 and received treatment for that in AZ and ND.

Moine was preceded in death by his parents Moine L. and Astrid Gates, his brothers, Charles, David, and Kenneth, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Milton and Irene Coons, brothers-in-law Glenn McDaniels and Blaise Botti.

 He is survived by his wife, (Joan) Sharon, nieces: Robin (Peter) Schnaidt, Karlene (Lowell) Wyum, Krisa (Russell) Martinson, Stephanie (Jon) Rufsvold, Ronnette (Chester) Cooper, Tricia (Dane) Grierson, Monic Botti, Ramona Rein, Gwyn (Steve) Olson, and Traci Feek; nephews: Adam (Jenny) Gates, Tim (Julia) O’Hara, and Richard(Colleen) Rein. Sisters-in-laws: Irene Gates, Lavonne Gates, Marian Gates, Janice Gates, Cora (Cliff) Rein and Beverly McDaniels.

Moine is also survived by his aunt Carol Monson, along with several cousins, grandnieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Larry and Ellen Hoiberg who have been our rock doing this difficult time. We also want to thank all our family, friends, and care givers for their prayers and concerns.

Services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church on May 20, 2023 at 10:30 am.  With visitation from 9:30 to 10:30.   Interment will be at Calvary’s Columbarium. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #157 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3817.

 In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to The Grand Forks Foundation for Education or Calvary Lutheran Church.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Calvary Lutheran Church (Contemporary Chapel). Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church.