GATES - Curtis J. Gates, age 67, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 28, 1952, to Lyman and Joan Gates. Curt was a 1970, graduate of Cedar Springs High. Curt was married to Valeri (Laitila) Gates, on October 6, 1972 and had lived in the Cedar Springs area since then. Curt worked in the building trades for the past 41 years. Curt served in the National Guard for 6 years. Curt was proceeded in death by his father, Lyman Gates, brother, Stephen Gates, sister, Christine (Gates) Scheppe and sister-in-law Kathi (Mathews) Gates. Curt is survived by his mother Joan Gates, brother Bryan Gates, wife Valeri Gates, daughters Brooke (Gates) Wiles, James. Kylah (Gates) Sullivan Ryan, and Elizabeth (Gates) Sall, Derek. And his five adoring grandchildren, Savannah, Zander, Addilyn, Keir, and Eli. As well as several nieces and nephews. Curt’s love for the outdoors was very evident. Curt had many fishing stories to tell and was always excited to share them. His time was spent between his home in Cedar Springs and cottage in Beulah, Mi. On summer weekends, you could find Curt trolling for salmon and lake trout on Lake Michigan’s Platte Bay. In the fall, Curt enjoyed time in the Upper Peninsula hunting deer and ducks. On winter weekends, Curt could be found on the ice at Crystal Lake jigging for lake trout and whitefish or catching smelt and perch for the next fish fry. Curt enjoyed catching and giving away his catch to his friends. Curt will be remembered for his hard work, love, respect, resilience, loyalty, and a great sense of humor. He will be missed, but will live on through wonderful memories. The family will greet relatives and friends 3:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday and 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Monday at.Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, May 6 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Faith Hospice. To share a photo, memory and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Curtis J. Gates please visit our Sympathy Store.
Visitation
MAY 5. 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (EDT)
Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Belmont
1601 Post Dr. NE
Belmont, MI, 49306
[email protected]
https://www.stegengafuneralchapel.com
Visitation
MAY 6. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)
Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Belmont
1601 Post Dr. NE
Belmont, MI, 49306
[email protected]
https://www.stegengafuneralchapel.com
Memorial Service
MAY 6. 11:00 AM (EDT)
Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Belmont
1601 Post Dr. NE
Belmont, MI, 49306
[email protected]
https://www.stegengafuneralchapel.com
Leave Your Tribute Message
Sending condolences and prayers to the family on the loss of a special man. I had the pleasure of knowing him when I worked for Dr Ron. May you find peace in your memories.
- Cindy Christensen
So sorry for your loss, Valeri!
- Dana
Vince and I would drive by the cabin on the way up to our property. Curt would be working outside, give us a wave, and the biggest grin. We would love to visit, listen to hunting or fishing stories, and share some homemade wine he would have. We will cherish those wonderful memories we have, and wave and smile as we pass by your place, knowing your grinning and throwing a hand up back to us!
- Monica Sperry
Andrew Howard & Family purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Curtis J. Gates.
- Andrew Howard & Family
One of the great days we had fishing together. Curt used to say, "its fun to win once in a while". I laughed because I don't know anyone who won fishing more than him. The fish will rest easier now. He will be missed very much!
- Andrew Howard
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Curtis J. Gates.
- Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum
Gracious Lavender Basket was purchased for the family of Curtis J. Gates.
- Gracious Lavender Basket
Basket of Memories was purchased for the family of Curtis J. Gates.
- Basket of Memories
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Curtis J. Gates.
- Enchanted Cottage
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society purchased the Arrive in Style for the family of Curtis J. Gates.
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Curtis J. Gates.
- Beautiful in Blue
Derek and Liz My sympathy to you in the loss of your father. May God give you Peace and strength for the days ahead. Thinking of you. Aunt Marcia
- Marcia J TenBroeke
My wife and I knew Curt through our Daughter and Son-In-Law ( Tracie & Ron Riebschleger). The last time I saw Curt was at his 67th Birthday Party in March. He was in good spirits and very talkative!! I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life. God Bless Val and the Family. Hope to see him again!!
- terry & Sandy Lynes
Kim Bedwell lit a candle in memory of Curtis J. Gates
- Kim Bedwell
Remembering all the good times our families shared. Will miss you my friend, rest in peace.
- Joni Olmsted
Sentiments of Serenity Spray was purchased for the family of Curtis J. Gates.
- Sentiments of Serenity Spray
Order flowers for Curtis's service.
Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)
Thinking of You Basket
Gerbera Greetings
Natures Glory
Sincere Sympathy Garden
Blooming Duo
Loving Embrace
Classic Sympathy
Stargazer Garden
Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement
Tender Touch
White Wonder
Bells of Beauty
Stargazer Easel Spray
Beautiful Memories
Remembrance Easel Spray
Beautiful Blessings Wreath
Colorful Memories Wreath
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