Mitchell "Mitch" Gates

1987 - 2026

Mitchell "Mitch" Gates

September 27, 1987 - January 1, 2026

Mitchell "Mitch" Gates, 38, of Evansdale, died Thursday, January 1, 2026, at MercyOne Hospital in Waterloo. He was born September 27, 1987, in Waterloo, son of Rhonda and Craig Gates. He married Cora Spooner on July 29, 2017.

Mitch was the regional facilities director for the YMCA. He was also extremely active with the Cedar Valley Youth Sports Association as a volunteer, coach, and board member.

Mitchell lived his life in service to others, not because he had to, but because he believed in showing up. And that is how he will be remembered: as a man who gave more than he took, who lifted others without asking for anything in return, and who left a mark on every life he touched.

His absence is enormous. But so is the love he leaves behind for his wife, Cora, and their children, Brycin (15), ReaLynn (13); his parents, Craig and Rhonda Gates; his siblings: Brennah Gates of Britt, Elijah (Emily) Gates of Readlyn, Savannah Lyon of Spencer, Noah Lyon of Waterloo, Tom Hemenway of Waterloo, Robert (Amber) Webster of Hudson, Paul Greene of Evansdale, Cyrus Spooner of Evansdale, Tessa Salisbury of Waterloo, Jacob Salisbury of Hedrick, and Jack Nieman of Ackley; maternal grandmother, Arletta Weatherbee; paternal grandmother, Ethel Gates; step grandmother, Annie Gates; in-laws, John and Kathy Greene; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Larry Gates.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with funeral service to directly follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. There will be a gathering after the service at Lofty's in Evansdale. Memorials may be directed to the family.