Larry K Drake

MADISON - Larry Drake, age 81, joined his Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 18, 2021, after an extended illness. Larry was the first of three sons born to Benjamin and Ethel (Kroetz) Drake. He attended Sunnyside Grade School, graduating in 1953 and Madison East High School, graduating in 1957. Larry was employed at Silk Screen Advertising from 1956 to 2018. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1962 where he completed his basic training in Fort Knox, Ky., and then stationed in Germany until 1964. Upon return he was in Active Reserves and attended MATC on the GI Bill. Larry married Maureen Hagen on Oct. 7, 1961. For many years they enjoyed setting up the Christmas Village at Oakwood East for the residents to enjoy through the 2017 season. Together they also enjoyed working in their yard, having dinners out and playing cards with their friends. They also enjoyed many travels. Most importantly, holidays were special gatherings with their family. In early years, Larry coached Kennedy Little League Baseball and also coached both youth football and basketball at the YMCA. He found great enjoyment in the company of the neighborhood children who often sought him out to play various sports. He was also an avid spectator sports enthusiast, and a Wisconsin basketball fan and ticket holder. He especially enjoyed golfing and his monthly euchre group. Larry had been accepted to participate in the Honor Flight which was postponed due to the pandemic. He was given memorabilia for the flight after he became ill and unable to attend before the trip was rescheduled. Larry is survived by his wife; daughter, Julie Drake (Steve Thompson); son, Steve (Brenda) Drake; grandson, Matt (Dave) Rulseh; granddaughter, Katie Drake; great-grandson, Porter; and brothers, Garth (Sandi) Drake and Doug (Maria) Drake. An uncle to Debbie (Jim) Panko, Jenni (Kevin) Figy, Mike, Todd (Kristin) and Dana Drake. A great-uncle to Savannah Figy, Paulie, Ashley, Shannon, Brock, Bradon and Danika Drake. Sister-in-law, Martha Hagen and husband, Jeff Brush and uncle to Ben, Owen (Cari), and Noah Brush. Brother-in-law, Michael (Mary) Hagen and uncle to Kristin (Marc) Adamak, and Marc (Lindsey) Hagen. He was preceded in death by his parents, and many aunts and uncles. We would like to thank all the caregivers at Oak Park Place and Agrace HospiceCare who coordinated his care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Larry's name to Oak Park Place, Agrace HospiceCare, St. Dennis Parish or to a charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held at ST. DENNIS PARISH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Monday, July 26, 2021, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. A luncheon will then be served. A private burial with the immediate family will take place at Highland Memory Gardens at a later date. The family requests, that if you are immunocompromised or have not received the COVID-19 vaccine to please wear a mask for the health and safety of all guests. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420