John Clifford Gates, 82, of Belle Plaine, IA passed peacefully Friday, February 14, 2025 at Belle Plaine Speciality Care, Belle Plaine, IA.

John was born on August 2, 1942 to JC and Bessie (Halopeck) Gates, at Cornbelt Hospital in Belle Plaine, Iowa. John, an only child, went to Gopher Hill Primary School and graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1961. John followed in his father's footsteps and became a farmer, which he did his entire life. In 1982, John married Connie Smith and together raised four children. John enjoyed countless hunting and fishing trips with family and friends. He and Connie enjoyed vacationing in the summer, seeing most of the southern United States. John worked part-time at Victor Plastics, Kelly Plastics and loved farming with his son, Doug. John and Connie hosted foreign exchange students from Spain and Germany. In 2007, they traveled to Europe to visit Pepe, Jordi and the entire Calvo family of Barcelona, Spain and Marcus Biereichel of Bremen, Germany.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Connie of West Branch, IA. His son, Doug (Holly) Gates of Belle Plaine, IA; grandchildren; Ethan (Sam) Gates of Belle Plaine and Jacy Gates of Belle Plaine. His daughter, Ann (Nic) Hansen of Lisbon, IA and grandsons, Marquis (Gabrielle) Dew of Mount Vernon, IA and Tyson Dew of Mount Vernon, IA. Step-daughter, Rhonda Smith of West Branch, IA; grandchildren, Alexis (Gary) Lewis of West Branch, IA and Sunday Salvatore of Des Moines, IA. Step-son, Clayton (Angela) Smith of Pleasantville, IA and grandchildren, Alexander (Tyane) Smith of Belle Plaine, IA, Cody Smith of Des Moines, IA., Dylan (Cadence) Hildreth of Kirksville, MO, Sierra Hallmann of Cedar Falls, IA, Sam Hallmann of Knoxville, IA, Norman Smith of Pleasantville, IA and 9 great grandchildren.

John's family would like to thank Belle Plaine Specialty Care for their loving and compassionate care.

Private family burial will take place at Kostza Cemetery, Koszta, IA. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com