Dale Roger Lake passed away on May 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Dale was born on May 19, 1950, to Leo and Jean Lake in Rice Lake, WI.

Dale grew up in the Hillsdale area and attended school in Hillsdale and Barron. Dale’s work ethic started at an early age, where he and his brothers would pick cucumbers and beans by hand for the canning factory. That work ethic would stay with him throughout his entire life.

At 13, Dale entered the foster home of Lee and Iva Stuntz of Cumberland, WI. Dale continued his passion for hard work by unloading box cars of fertilizer for A & C Co-op in Cumberland, WI, at night, and he continued to work there through high school. Dale graduated from Cumberland High School in 1969.

On January 3rd, 1970, Dale married Sandra Zappetillo. In August of 1970, he was drafted into the Army, where he became a cook. Dale was stationed in Germany, where Sandra joined him for his last year of active duty.

When Dale returned home, he resumed his job at the Co-op. After a few years, it became Midland Co-op, and in 1980, he was promoted to manager in Almena, WI. In 1983, Dale and Sandra purchased the Midland Service station in Cumberland, WI. They renamed it Lakeside Station, where he became a full-time mechanic. The Service Station had an unfortunate fire in 1987, where Dale suffered burns from the fire, and after rehabilitation, they were fortunate enough to rebuild. In 1996, Dale sold the business and began his career with Ardisam and Saputo’s.

Outside of Dale’s work life, his family was his center, as he was their rock. 4-H was a constant in Dale’s life along with farming. He enjoyed milking cows, field work, and making sure that the last bale of hay was put up in the haymow. Dale was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church, where he served on many committees, played dart ball, and his hands touched many projects at the church, known and unknown. Then there was his love of lawn mowing, where he found many lawns to mow.

Dale spent many hours in the bleachers, behind the bleachers pacing, and in chairs watching his daughters and then his grandchildren at their many sporting events or other activities they were involved in.

Dale is survived by his wife Sandra of 55 years. Daughters Emily (Doug) Drafall, Holly (Charles) Groehler, Heather (Brent) Colburn. Grandchildren Reid Drafall, Hunter Stoeberl, Dayne Stoeberl, Bryce Colburn, and Brook Colburn. Brothers: Alan Lake, Jack Lake, Tom Lake. Sisters: Marylin Hover, Debra (Dave) Lokken, Cindy (Don) Sprague. Brother-in-law: Don Zappetillo and many nieces and nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and parents in-law, brothers: Jerry Frederickson, Ronald Lake, Donald Lake, Bruce Lake, Robert Lake and Sisters Betty Davis, Beverly Weckler, Pearl Johnson.

Pallbearers: Paul Zappitello, Jon Schmitz, Pat Schmitz, Wayne Mathison, Cole Selvig, Damian Stoeberl, Michael Schullo, Justin Anderson. Honorary Pallbearers: First Lutheran Church Men’s Group.

Visitation will be on Friday May 16th at 5-8pm at First Lutheran Church, Cumberland, WI, and one hour before the service. Service will be held Saturday May 17th at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church, with Military Honors. Burial will be at Section Ten (East Cumberland) meal will follow the service.

Last Update: May 13, 2025 1:03 pm CDT