Josiah Rayne Lake

Josiah Rayne Lake, of St. Johns and a native of Eaton Rapids, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 18, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 23 years old.

Born on June 19, 2002, in Lansing, Josiah was the oldest of two children born to Kurt and Tonya (LaBar) Lake. He was raised in Eaton Rapids and graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the Class of 2021. While in high school, he attended RESA, pursuing heavy equipment mechanics, and later earned his Heavy Equipment Operator certificate from AIS in Lansing in 2024, discovering that operating equipment was where his true passion was.

At the age of seven, Josiah was diagnosed with leukemia, beginning a lifelong journey marked by extraordinary strength, resilience, and faith. Through every challenge, he remained stoic, humble, and stubborn in the best ways, never seeking attention, never asking for sympathy, and always holding tightly to his faith.

Josiah was truly an old soul, extremely caring, incredibly smart, and quietly creative. He had a sharp sense of humor, known for his perfectly timed one-liners, and an entrepreneurial spirit that showed itself early and often. Whether it was charging his doctors and nurses a five-dollar "admission fee" during hospital stays, finding ways to earn bonuses, or his knack for resale, he always found a way to buy his fishing gear. He enjoyed working in landscaping in Lansing, and as a heavy equipment operator at Miller Brothers Excavating and fixing and flipping vehicles. He was handy, loved to tinker and was fond of classic cars. He loved the outdoors and felt most at home hunting deer or turkey, fishing, or running trails on his quad, dirt bike, or side-by-side. Some of his most treasured memories were made on family trips through Make-A-Wish and Catch-A-Dream, experiences that brought lasting memories. Josiah was also active in Team In Training with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where he ran a half marathon and, at just 15 years old, delivered the encouragement dinner speech, inspiring others with the same quiet strength that defined his life.

In June of 2023, Josiah met Gracie, and the two quickly became inseparable. Their love was steady and genuine, and they became engaged in March of 2026, enjoying every moment together.

He is survived by his parents, Tonya and Kurt Lake; his brother, Elijah Lake; his fiancée, Gracie Davis-Kreh; his grandmother, Brenda Bancroft; along with many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and countless special friends who will carry his memory forward.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Sparrow Hospital, especially Dr. Greg Yanik, for their exceptional care, compassion, and support throughout Josiah's journey; and also, to Special Days Camp for their years of dedication and unconditional love for Josiah and his family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11 AM, at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns. Friends may visit the funeral home from 9AM until the time of the service. Please wear your camo or fishing gear on Saturday!

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Special Days Camp, P.O. Box 436, Dimondale, MI 48821

For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home at 989-224-4422.