Richard Drake

Richard "Dick" Drake, age 85, of Antigo died Saturday, June 27, 2009 at his home under the loving care of his family. Dick was born October 10, 1923 to the late Burton and Mary (Remington) Drake in Elcho, WI. On March 19, 1947 he and Elizabeth "Betty" Irish were united in marriage at the Congregational Church in Kempster, WI. Mrs. Drake survives and resides in Antigo. Dick was employed for 43 years by General Telephone and Electric from 1947 until retiring in 1999.Mr. Drake also served in the Maritime Service. Dick was an avid reader and especially loved reading his Bible. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, solving crossword puzzles and traveling with his family. He was a wonderful storyteller and loved the time he spent with his family. In addition to his wife, Mr. Drake is survived by 4 daughters; Sandra (Chuck) Stevens, Debra Shepherd, Beth (Jim) Hall, and Sherry (Tim) Kiper; 2 sons; Ronald Drake and Jeff Drake all of Antigo; 26 grandchildren and 23 of their spouses; 32 great grandchildren; 3 sisters; Judy (Bob) Zak of New Berlin, WI, Pat Drake of Missouri, Shirley Spencer of Steven Point, WI ; and a brother George (Nancy) Drake of Park Falls, WI.; sister- in- law Virginia (Bob) Irish and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Norman (Babe) Irish of Kempster. Mr. Drake was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters; Janet Drake and Gail Zaldavar; mother-in-law Myra Irsh and father-in-law George Irish; brother-in-laws Bob Irish , Vic Zaldavar, and Ray Spencer; great grandsons Jacob Eldridge and Mason Detert and a son- in- law Rick Powell. Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM at the Strasser-Roller Funeral Home. A visitation will be 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home and on Wednesday from 10:00AM until the service. Reverend Gregory Dorsch of Christ Gospel Church will officiate.Interment will be in Kempster Cemetery. Dick will always be remembered as a loving husband and father and grandfather. Deep in our heats lies a picture of a love one laid to rest. In memories framed, we shall keep it, because he was the best. Though he is gone forever and his hand we cannot touch. We still have many memories of one we love so much. God has him in his keeping, we have him in our hearts.