Larry E. Lake

Larry Eber Lake, age 90, of Orleans, passed away unexpectedly at home on August 22, 2026. He was born on May 27, 1936, in Muskegon, Michigan, son of Angus Cleo and Eva “Leona” (Syer) Lake, both of whom preceded him in death. Larry attended Ypsilanti schools and worked for many years as an Operating Engineer building vital infrastructure. He piloted a variety of heavy equipment machines on projects such as the huge reservoir project south of Ludington, into which he applied his skills for 7 years. He also worked on countless other projects including road construction and improvement projects, landfills, and more. He married Creola Mae “Kitty” Kotke Bigler on July 16, 2017, at their home in Orleans, and she survives to mourn his passing. Larry belonged to a boxing club for many years and had an impressive career, having boxed in 164 matches and won 160 of them. His success earned him Golden Glove status and led him into a coaching role for up and coming, boxers as well. He enjoyed life in the country near Long Lake, with Kitty, following retirement, where he grew crops on his acreage each summer. When not busy in the fields, he kept busy with mechanical repairs of his equipment and fabricating tools and machinery because he knew he could build it better and cheaper than he could buy it.

In addition to Kitty, his wife of 9 years, Larry is survived by his children, Deborah Proos of Grandville, James (Brenda) Weller of Interlochen, Larry (Sharon) Lake of Three Rivers, Ramona (Thomas) Corl of Sheridan, Rocky (Katrina) Lake of Mayo, Florida, and LaRae Lake of Greenville; 19 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild; a brother, Rick (Sharon Dalke) Lake of Riverdale; a son-in-law, Duane Rider and brother-in-law Joe Hayden; and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters Dawn Rider and Tracey Valenta; and siblings Roberta Bodell, Earl Lake, Monte Lake, Sandra Hayden, Sonja Stanton, Ramona Lake, and Sharon Headworth.

Larry’s family is hosting an open house to celebrate his life and legacy on Saturday, August 29, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Larry and Kitty’s home. All who knew him are welcome to attend.

Private burial rites are being planned to take place at Orleans Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his prior wife, Ann Lake. For additional information, please call Verdun Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services at (616) 794-1300.