Larry Albert Lake

Lake, Larry Albert
79, of Surprise, AZ, and formerly of the Quad Cities/ North Scott Iowa area, died October 12, 2009 after a brief, but courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Larry faced his illness with his sense of humor intact and his family by his side. Larry was born on March 9, 1930 to Olga and Victor Lake. He grew up in Prairie du Chien, WI. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Beverly; his nine children and two step-sons: Vicki Guffey and Kari Lake Halperin (Jeff) of Phoenix, Jill Stringham (Jeff), Kim Catalano, Lori & Tom Birkhofer, Jennifer Lamont (Doug), Dennis Birkhofer (Brenda) of IA, Jack Lake (Leanne) of WI, Lisa Murphy of MN and Susan Lake of CT; his brother, Jack Lake (Hedy) of MN and his niece, Nicola deMedici (Marino) of VA. He was blessed with 25 grandchildren and 3 great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Lake Furlan. Larry was honored to have served his country as a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He taught and coached thousands of students during his 32 years as a government and history teacher and a successful varsity coach in football and basketball at North Scott High School, Eldridge, IA. He retired in 1992. Larry is a member of the school's Athletic Hall of Fame. He still holds an athletic record in basketball at Luther College and was inducted into Luther's Hall of Fame in 2008. Larry also coached football at St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa (1983-86) serving as Offensive Line Coordinator. He holds no records in golf, but he loved playing the game and did so whenever he could. In recent years, Larry volunteered at Cactus League Spring Training games. He was an avid reader, a history buff and enjoyed cribbage and other card games. Over the years he tackled hundreds of projects around the house. He loved dixieland jazz music, an occasional cold beer, good conversation and the company of friends and family. He was famous for his sense-of-humor and kindness! A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge, IA. A private burial is planned at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetary. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley.