Wilfred Gates

Wilfred "Willy" Douglas Gates, 74, of Alba, rejoined his beloved wife while surrounded and loved by family January 31st 2017 at Munson Medical Center.

Willy was born as the second son to Gerald and Ardath Gates (nee Bush) on September 4th 1942 in Star Township, where he would reside his entire life running his own small business "Willy's Well Service."

Willy served his country with distinction and pride in Vietnam, at a time when it was not popular to be patriotic. While he had the opportunity to stay state side and continue teaching jump school, he decided his country needed him more in Vietnam. Willy served with valor in the 25th infantry from 1967-1968. He participated in Operation Junction City and the Tet Offensive, seeing some of the harshest fighting of the war. During his time in Vietnam the 25th never lost a major combat operation against communist forces. He was awarded the bronze star for valor as well as an air medal for courageous service as a door gunner for medevacs.

Willy fought for what many soldiers fought for, to come back to simple pleasures of peacetime we take for granted. For him that was family (including his dogs), a stiff drink, and a good book, in that order. He raised one son, Billy, and then in 1982 married the love of his life. After his marriage to Gale he took in her daughter's, Mandora and Kathy, and raised them with love.

Willy is survived by: 3 children Billy (Patti) Gates of Gaylord, MI, Mandora (Brett) Gourdie of Traverse City, MI, and Kathy (Mike) Grindstaff of Carmel Indiana, 3 brothers Paul (Liz) Gates of Virginia, Vern (Sharon) Gates of Florida, Bobby (Sharon) Gates of Pennsylvania, 3 sister Marian (Joyce) Zuercher of Indiana, Darlene (Ron) Carper of IN, and Lois (Larry) Soltysiak of Bay City, MI, 8 grandchildren Wilby and Matthew Gates of Alba, MI, Levi Gourdie of Detroit, MI, Hannah and Jacob Grindstaff of Carmel, IN, Tayler Schneider of Gaylord, MI, Skyler Schneider of Norfolk VA and Maddison Cesaro of East Jordan, MI.

He was preceded in eternal life by his beloved wife Gale, his parents Gerald and Ardath, and his sisters Shirley Carper and Frieda May Gates.

A celebration of his life will be held for his 75th birthday at his home in Alba, Michigan during Labor Day Weekend on September 3rd, 2017 and all are welcome. In addition to food and company, there will be a military flag service to honor Willy's service to our country. In lieu of flowers please direct donations to the Wounded Warrior's fund.

Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.