Cover photo for John Lake's Obituary
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1931 John 2015

John Lake

June 22, 1931 — June 1, 2015

John Lee Lake, 83, Wausau, died Monday, June 1, 2015 at Cedar Creek Manor in Mosinee under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

John was born June 22, 1931 in Wausau to the late Harvey "Les" and Ada (Hanson) Lake. He honorably served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1949-52, wounded twice in combat. Always the industrious person, John worked for Marathon Battery, in his mother's restaurant Ada's, for Connor Forestry Products for many years, and later for Per Mar Security and Marcus Cinema. John married Gladys Langhoff on April 21, 1973, the two spent 40 wonderful years together prior to her death in 2013.

John could be a stern but gentle man who held his emotions deep, but this never belied the love he had for his children and his wonderful sense of humor. He took care to make sure that every moment with his children was special and sought to be a guiding force in their lives. Early on, John enjoyed camping and fishing while later years he and Gladys traveled to California, Florida, Tennessee, Hawaii and all across Wisconsin. Free time often found John visiting the casino to have a little fun and working on cross stitch or crotchet projects which he was very good at; even winning 1st place at the Marathon County Fair for his crocheted American Flag. One of the proudest moments of John's life was when he took part in the Honor Flight last September.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Friday, June 5th at the First Presbyterian Church, Wausau. Pastor Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church on Friday. American Legion Burns Post #10 will render military rites. There will be a private burial at Restlawn Memorial Park. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

John is survived by his loving children, Kim (Andrew) Coleman and Kenneth "Nelson" (Christine) Lake; ex-wife, Mary (Robert) Timler; nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Robert Bowen.

A heartfelt word of thanks goes to the staff of Cedar Creek Manor for their compassionate care and companionship over the past 19 months. Also a special thank you to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their tender care.

Visitation

First Presbyterian Church of Wausau
406 Grant Street
Wausau, WI 54403

Friday, June 5, 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Service

First Presbyterian Church of Wausau
406 Grant Street
Wausau, WI 54403

Friday, June 5, 2015
11:00 AM

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Lake, please visit our flower store.

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