Lawrence "Larry" A. Drake

Larry Arthur Drake died on August 26, 2021, of heart failure in Grafton, WI, at the young age of 75. We best knew him as a kid at heart, occasional prankster, quiet and witty with good timing and giving that sly smile telling you there was a lot going on in his head! He had profound impact on the few that knew him more closely. We only wish we could have had more time to know him even better. This jovial man was our uncle, brother, cousin and friend. He grew up in Detroit, MI, and helped in the family bike shop business. His love of cars, fishing and boating is where he had many laughs with his cousins and friends. He was a true patriot having given of his time, soul and heart serving 2 years in Vietnam as an artillery crewman. After the service he spent time in Rockford, IL, until he finally landed in Sparta, WI. Gifted as a drafter, he spent his career contributing to both the building and tooling industries, finishing his working years at Ft. McCoy. Those of us left are sister-in-law, Janice Drake of Rockford, IL; nephews, Pete (Diane) Drake of St. Paul, MN, Jeff (Lori) Drake of Grafton, WI; niece, Jennifer Whiteford of Loves Park, IL; cousins, James (Nancy) Burlingame of Sterling Heights, MI, June (Michael) Crossen of Clinton Township, MI, Richard (Eileen) Burlingame of Port Sanilac, MI, and Wendy Golski of Holt, MI. He is predeceased by his parents, James and Mildred Drake of Detroit, MI; sister, Louise Drake of Roscoe, IL; brother, Thomas Drake of Rockford, IL, and cousin, Lois Burlingame of Lansing, MI. Larry was honorably laid to rest at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI, on Friday, October 29, 2021.