Obit: Gates, John Floyd (1939 - 2019)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Gates, Matalas, Tresemer, Debee, Schultz, Opelt, Paul

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 6/12/2019

Gates, John Floyd (20 March 1939 – 5 June 2019)

John Gates, 80, of Black River Falls, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Black River Falls.

John Floyd Gates was born on March 20, 1939, son of Floyd and Fifi (Matalas) Gates in Jackson County. He grew up on the family farm outside Merrillan and graduated from Black River Falls High School.

John married Lucille Marie Tresemer of Neillsville, on September 27, 1958.

John worked hard to provide for his family, working at the Telephone Company, Hart Tie and Lumber, Gross Redi-Mix, and Smith Sand and Gravel. For over twenty-four years, he worked for the Black River Falls Street Department.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and outdoor activities, including time spent on his land. John loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

John is survived by his daughter, Debra (Lori Debee) Gates of Menomonie; son, Todd (Lynette) Gates of Black River Falls; two grandchildren, Stacy Gates of Fulton, Illinois and Matthew (Amanda) Gates of Mosinee, brother, Raymond (LaVon) Gates of Alma Center; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Jim) Schultz and Carol Opelt, both of Neillsville; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille, and parents, Floyd and Fifi.

Celebration of Life will be held 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls. Graveside services will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Black River Falls with Pastor John Paul officiating. A luncheon will take place after services.

Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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