Kenneth Gates

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Kenneth Gates, age 75, of Grandville, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Saturday, December 17, 2022. Ken was a loving husband, brother, uncle, and special friend. He proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Ken was a council member for the City of Grandville for 28 years. Ken retired from Thierica, INC. Ken’s favorite time of the year was Christmas, where he enjoyed playing the role of Santa Claus for 38 years in local schools. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmore “Bud” and Esther Gates. He will lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Dori; brothers and sisters, Ross Gates, Terry and Kim Gates, Craig and Marcie Gates, Darla and John Lamacusa, Brent and Rebecca Gates, Ron and Lelaine Gates; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Doug and Diane Kooistra, Duane and Kay Kooistra; many nieces and nephews; many dear honorary children who considered him “Dad”; and very special friend who became his brother, Marv Alkema. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Ivanrest Church, 3777 Ivanrest Ave SW with Pastor Nathan Kooistra officiating. Burial Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 4-7 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and also on Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project or MKD’s Fill the Fountain benefiting Starlight Shores (accepting new unwrapped toys as donations).