Lance R. Gates

Lance R. Gates age 58 of Pierson, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025 in Ironwood, MI. He was born October 31, 1967 in East Grand Rapids, MI the son of Ivan and Emily (Van Oss) Gates.

Surviving are his wife, Kim (Stiles); children, Tiffany (Cody) Steffens, Ashley (Garett) MacLean, Deric (Katie) Esther, Darrick (Amber) Gates, Marcus (Rachael) Fleming, Garrett Fleming; eight grandchildren; brothers, Lohryn (Debbi), David, Dan (Carole), Karl “Johnny” (Nancy), Kevin (Valerie); father-in-law, Edd (Pam) Stiles; sisters-in-law, Tammie (James) Batts, Julee (Eric) Pavelka, Joy (Aaron) Rosema; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Rick Stiles.

Lance was a kind, charismatic soul with a generous heart. He was a genuine jack-of-all-trades who just seemed to collect friends wherever he went.

He really “went all in” on everything he found interesting, whether it was the peaceful patience of hunting and fishing, the intricate work of restoring a classic car, or just cooking up a big meal for everyone he loved. But what truly mattered most to him were his family and loved ones; being a dad and a papa were his proudest roles.

We’ll all remember his giving spirit, his playful pranks, and how he was always ready with advice (and a bit of stubbornness, used for good, of course) or a deep conversation.

His legacy is simple: treat people with kindness, live faithfully, and always be there to lend a hand.

The family will greet friends 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, November 28 at K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Memorial Service will be held 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 29 at Cedar Springs Baptist Church. Pastors Fredric and Greg Carlson, officiating.