Gerald (Jerry) Lake, age 88, went home peacefully to be with his Lord on Monday, September 14, 2009. He passed away at Villa Pines Nursing Home in Friendship, WI, but resided in New Auburn, WI for 37 years with his wife Bernice.

He was born August 21, 1921 in Cadott, WI. He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1939. He married Bernice Fosberg on June 5^th, 1943. He worked at E.C. Chmel until he retired after 47 years.

Jerry was a real character with a personality to spare. He always had a joke to share and loved to make people laugh. Jerry was a very soft and gentle man with a heart for his family. He loved to golf and fish and made visiting his favorite past time. He also had a heart for those who were less fortunate and for troubled kids. He helped at risk kids at the YMCA for many years. He really loved children.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice; his son-in-law, Bill Shearman; and his granddaughter, Lisa (Lake) Woodford.

Jerry is survived by his son, Steven John Lake, his daughters, Kathryn Jane (Lake) Engel and Peggy Lynne (Lake) Shearman, (and adopted daughter, June Engel), also son-in-law, Richard Engel.

He is also survived by grandchildren Todd Engel, Shannon Engel, Bryn Engel, Jesse Shearman, Jason Shearman, Josiah Shearman, Joshua Shearman, Tryst Lake, Jon Lake and 17 great-grandchildren.

The family is having a memorial service for Jerry at his home on the lake that he cherished for 37 years in New Auburn.