Dennis J. Lake

Dennis Lake

Dennis J. Lake, age 71, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Wisconsin Rapids Health Services, following complications from a stroke suffered in November 2024.

Dennis was born on September 19th, 1953, in Rockford, Illinois, to Raymond and Pauline (Greibe) Lake. Dennis decided to take a memorable trip to California, where he met Trudy Anna Marie Van Berlo. They were united in marriage on March 31, 1973, in San Diego, California.

After a brief time living in California and a year in Rockford, Dennis and Trudy settled in Friendship, Wisconsin in 1974. Dennis worked for nine years at the Oxford Correctional Institution as a guard and later worked for many years at Friendship Home Center, where he was known for his strong work ethic and friendly nature.

An avid fisherman, Dennis had a lifelong passion for the sport and was part of the Castle Rock Bass Masters for many years and was then a proud cofounder of the Adams County Bass Casters. His love for fishing was not just a hobby but a way of life.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Pauline Lake.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Trudy Lake of Friendship, WI; daughter, Roxann (Jeff) Gerrits of Green Bay, WI; son, Jon (Lisa) Lake of Randolph, WI; three grandsons: Cael, Evan, and Riley; brother, Gary (Jo Ann) Lake of Machesney Park, IL; sister, Connie (Denny) Eccles of Roscoe, IL; brother, Monty Lake of Rockford, IL; brother in law Ted (Judy) Van Berlo of San Diego, CA; sister in law Anna (Sam) Jemison of Weatherford, TX as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Special thanks to Al Carilo for not just your friendship with Dennis but also your presence and support which meant the world to us all. “Until we fish again.”

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all who offered support during this time especially Donny and Sandy Pett who were by our sides during the last few days making sure we were all ok.

Thank you to the compassionate staff at Wisconsin Rapids Health Services and North Shore Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, beginning at 12 noon at the Arkdale Lions Park in Arkdale, Wisconsin.

Bookmark the permalink.

Condolences

  1. Josh Holliday says:

    My Condolences to the family. I have some great memories of fishing with Dennis while in the bass club. He taught me how to fish a jig and he was great at it.

  2. Corinne Allen says:

    Trudy, so sorry for your loss. Will keep you all in my prayers.

  3. Patricia M Schiefer says:

    Trudy so sorry Dennis. has passed away. Your both are so wonderful. May he rest in peace I did not know he had a stroke earlier. Hoping you are doing okay. God Bkess.patty schiefer.

  4. Barb (Larson) Dehmlow says:

    Trudy and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

  5. April Roller says:

    My thoughts are with you all.

  6. Tim Wormet says:

    Another good friend that I’ve lost. We had some great times. My condolences to Trudy,Jon and Roxann. Hope you and Andy get to hook up as fishing partners. RIP bud

  7. Ray and Cheri Witz says:

    Ray and I are sending our condolences and prayers for all Dennis’s love ones.

  8. Linda Widmar says:

    Trudy, I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you.

  9. Linda Widmar says:

    Truly, I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you.

  10. Mark & Peggy Williams Bond says:

    So sorry for the family’s loss. Sincere condolences to all

  11. Sue & Randy Anderson says:

    Trudy, Roxann, Jon and Families,
    So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. Keep your memories close and they will help during this time. Sending our deepest sympathy.

  12. Marge says:

    Trudy, so sorry for your loss. Condolences and hugs

  13. Beth Griffith says:

    Oh Trudy, My sincere sympathy to you and you family. Sending you hugs during this most heart breaking time. I will keep you and Dennis in my prayers. God bless♥️✝️

  14. Kay Olson says:

    Trudy, Roxann, Jon and families, My thoughts are with all of you with the passing of your dear Husband and Father. Keep close your memories as they will help you through your tears, your smiles, your laughter and then your tears again. I know I will always think of him when a truck and boat go past the farm. May the Great Spirit Above along with our Heavenly Father hold all of you ever so close and give you comfort. Sending you all my deepest condolences.

  15. Kathie and says:

    Truly, Jon & Roxann, so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to your family.

  16. Sue Moran says:

    Oh, Trudy, I’m so sorry to hear this. Sincere condolences to you and your family. Hugs to all. RIP Dennis.

  17. Allen J Baumgartner Sr says:

    Except our deepest sympathy Trudy and Family . Dennis was a great man , he laid a lot of flooring for us. My He RIP and God Bless all of you in your time of sorrow.

  18. Cassie & Ed says:

    Cael, we are so sorry for the loss of your Grandfather.

  19. Alisha Henke says:

    Trudy and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.

  20. Al Carilo says:

    He will truly be missed. RIP my friend.

  21. Marijn and Corry van den Bogaert says:

    Our condolences for the loss of Dennis 🙏

  22. Roxanne Buchanan says:

    So sorry for your loss

  23. Walt & Sherrie Manning says:

    Our condolences to the family.

  24. Jodi Helgeson says:

    Trudy and family, I am so sorry for your loss

  25. Michael T Clark says:

    So sorry for your family’s loss……

  26. Brenda and Joe Pietrowski says:

    We are so very sorry for the loss of Dennis. He will surely be missed but never forgotten.

  27. Shawna gruber says:

    So sorry for you loss..

  28. Kathy says:

    Deepest sympathies ❤️

  29. Peggy Sleeman says:

    Trudy and Family, my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. RIP Dennis.

  30. Jeanette Rykiel Dryden says:

    So very sorry for your loss

  31. Debbie sipla ohara says:

    Trudi and family my deepest condolences during this difficult time

  32. Jake Dittburner says:

    Trudy, Jon and Roxanne. I am very sorry for your loss.

  33. Peg Lecy says:

    I’m so sorry on your loss. May God friend and family comfort you during this difficult time
    Share your memories

  34. Flo Gonzagowski says:

    RIP Dennis 💔 Will miss seeing you at our Family Reunions 😥

  35. Lori McClinchy says:

    Trudy and family I’m so very sorry for your loss, You are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Dennis

  36. Laura Fields says:

    Condolences to Dennis’ family and friends. I hope the bass are plentiful in heaven

  37. Judy Alderman says:

    So very sorry for your family’s loss

Send Condolences

*