Michael Allen Lake, 62, passed away at his home on January 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. Our family was blessed to usher him from this life to the next. Michael was born July 7, 1961, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Harold and Sharon Lake. He spent his youth outdoors, running around the plains of South Dakota. His love of the outdoors was a gift he shared with all those who knew him. Michael proudly made a career in the military serving his country for 30 years, enlisting in 1981 and retiring 2013, where he followed his passion for adventure and caring for the country he loved so much. Michael graduated from the Sergeants Major Academy 2006. He served in two tours of duty, including Desert Storm, Saudia Arabia 1990-1991, and Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan 2009-2010. Those who knew Michael would describe him as being a hard man to know. He was a private man: quiet, calm, and stoic. He never complained, even as his illness progressed and his discomfort increased. If you were lucky, you got to see Michael’s playful, sensitive and creative sides. He loved dogs and would often be found at home with both dogs on his lap. His daughter jokingly called him Doctor Doolittle in these moments. Michael was also gifted at woodworking and created several pieces of beautiful furniture for his family to treasure. Michael was passionate about reading (there was always a book in his hand), adventure, the outdoors, woodworking, fishing, his dogs, his country, and his family. While he did not always know what to say, he always found a way to show his love. He was a strong and proud man who had gentleness in his spirit, kindness in his eyes, and the patience of a saint. For these qualities, and so many others, Michael was loved and appreciated by many, human and dog alike. Michael is survived by his wife, Michelle (Wallen) Lake, married June 15, 1991, his daughter Jasmine Rae Lake, born May 1, 1987, and Brittany Renee Lake, born August 1, 1991, his parents Harold and Sharon Lake, and brother and sister-in-law Brian and Sossia Lake. Celebration of Life Services will be held February 3, 2024, at Hope Community Church, 665 West 375 North, in Lebanon, Indiana at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held February 2, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and again February 3, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Hope Community Church. Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory have been entrusted with his cremation arrangements. Our family asks for memorials be made in his memory to his favorite charities - the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, Humane Society for Boone County, P. O. Box 708 Lebanon, Indiana 46052 or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
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