Coates, Dr. Albert Richard 'Al'

Dr. Albert Richard “Al” Coates, a prominent Cedar Rapids orthopedic surgeon, passed away May 19, 2011, while visiting family in South Dakota. He was 71. A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life on June 11 at 10 a.m. at Cedar Valley Bible Church, located at 3636 Cottage Grove Ave. SE.

Born in Hot Springs, S.D., and raised in Edgemont, S.D., Dr. Coates was drawn to a career in medicine after surviving a semi-truck accident at age 17. The accident resulted in extensive third degree burns and a yearlong stay in a South Dakota hospital. The care received during this time sparked his desire to serve others through medicine.

Al's premedical schooling began in 1958 at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D. In 1961, he continued his training at the University of South Dakotaat Vermillion, where he received his Bachelor of Science in medicine. He concluded his education at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, earning his Doctor of Medicine. After receiving his M.D., Al served his general medical residency at St. Luke's and Mercy hospitals in Cedar Rapids.

In 1968, Al enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a medical officer aboard the U.S.S. Guadalcanal, assisting in the recovery of NASA's Apollo 9 spacecraft. Al achieved the rank of Lt. Commander before his honorable discharge from the Navy.

Upon completion of his military service, Al served his orthopedic residency and received his Orthopaedic Surgery Certification at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C.

Dr. Coates returned to Cedar Rapids to begin private practice in 1974. He enjoyed over 33 years of practice in the Cedar Rapids area before retiring in April 2006. During his career, he served as a member of several organizations, including Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, American College of Sports Medicine, Iowa Medical Society, Iowa Orthopaedic Society, Linn County Medical Society and the Mid-States Orthopaedic Society.

In addition to his memberships, Dr. Coates also served several supervisory and administrative roles within organizations, such as president of Linn County Medical Society, vice president of Mid-Central States Orthopaedic Society, president of St. Luke's medical and dental staff and site coordinator for “A Joint Parade.”

Dr. Coates is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandy of Cedar Rapids; mother, Jane Coates of Edgemont, S.D.; children, LilaAnn Coates-White (Todd) of Duluth, Minn., Heather Marie Fallis (Jonathon) of Moberly, Mo., James Alan Coates (Ashley) of Marion and Richard Lee Coates of Orlando, Fla.; brothers, Dr. J. Edwin Coates (Virginia) of Hot Springs, S.D., and Col. Donald Duane Coates (Patricia) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and 10 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Al's name.