Obituary: Mitchell "Mitch" Gates

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, in Bremer County.  

Mitch was the regional facilities director for the YMCA. He was also extremely active with the Cedar Valley Youth Sports Association where he was a constant volunteer, coach, and active board member. He made an impact on countless kids there and encouraged everyone he knew to get involved also. 

Mitchell was the kind of man people counted on without ever having to ask. At just 38, he lived with a depth of loyalty and generosity that many never reach in a lifetime. He showed up-for his family, for his friends, for his community-quietly, consistently, and without hesitation.  He didn't do things for recognition; he did them because that's who he was.  

He leaves behind two incredible children, ReaLynn and Brycin, who carry his strength, his humor, and his heart. And he leaves behind Cora, his partner in every sense of the word, who knew better than anyone how deeply he loved and how hard he worked to make life better for the people he cared about. He was truly the best Dad whose family meant everything to him.  

His passing was sudden and without reason, and the shock of that will take time to settle. But even in this heartbreak, what stands out is the legacy he built through action through every ride given, every favor done, every late-night call answered, every moment he chose to be there when someone needed him.  

He will be remembered as a grill master, and a fantastic cook. Also, as the life of the party, full of pranks and jokes. He loved riding his Harley.  

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 10AM - 1PM with funeral service to directly follow at 1PM at the funeral home. There will be a gathering following the service at Lofty's in Evansdale.  Memorials may be directed to the family.