Monte G. Lake

Monte George Lake, age 93, of Orleans, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 10, 2022. He was born on December 5, 1929, in Muskegon, Michigan, son of Angus Cleo and Eva "Leona" (Syer) Lake, both of whom preceded him in death. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Luella “Peg”, and siblings Earl Lake, Ramona Lake, Roberta Bodell, Sandra Hayden and Sonia Stanton. He is survived by a sister, Sharron Headworth and two brothers, Rick (Sharon Dalke) Lake and Larry (Kitty) Lake; and a brother-in-law, Joe Hayden; and countless nieces and nephews, to whom he was a very special uncle.

Monte was a lifelong Michigan Standard Bred Horseman. He raced for 50 years on tracks in Michigan and from California to Florida. His favorite horses included, “Mite Be Tops”, “Shy Away Evelyn”, “Wilars De Marie”, “Red Fireball”’ and Michigan state champion, “Wilars Bill”. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Army.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon and the service will begin at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Robert Wagner, officiating. Interment will follow at Orleans Township Cemetery. Memorials are recommended to New Vocations, a race horse rescue and adoption organization. Please visit www.horseadoption.com to learn more or to give. For additional information, please call the funeral home at (616) 794-1300.