Robert "Bob" Cecil Drake

Robert "Bob" Cecil Drake

April 26, 1942 - September 11, 2026

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Obituary

Madison - Robert Cecil “Bob” Drake, age 84, of Madison, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026. He was born on April 26, 1942, in Portage, Wis., the son of Cecil and Loretta (Koenig) Drake.

 

Bob graduated from Markesan High School in 1960.  He married Joan Drake on August 24,1963. Prior to retirement he owned and operated Madison Spring, a truck repair service in Monona. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church for over 50 years and served as an usher there in addition to assisting with yard maintenance. He spent his childhood in Portage and Kingston.

 

In his free time, Bob loved hunting and fishing, with a talent for trap shooting. He made two trips to Africa to hunt with his brother. He also enjoyed bowling, loved caring for his own yard, and spending time with his family, who he loved very much.

 

Bob is survived by his daughters, Roseanne (Larry) Drake-Schmitz and Linda (Joe) Rauls; sister-in-law, Charlene (Bobholz) Drake; grandchildren, Curt Rauls (Kaycey), Leah (Mihai) Schmitz, Alicia Rauls, Wren Schmitz, and Allyson Rauls; and great-grandchild, Kinzey Rauls. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan; son, Allen Drake; brother, Roger Drake; sister-in-law, Jeanne Kohn and brother-in-law, Herb Kohn.

 

A funeral service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

 

Special thanks to the Home Helpers Home Care, Agrace HospiceCare, Drumlin Reserve, and neighborhood friends for their support. Memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, and Ducks Unlimited. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

 

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Events

23
Visitation
Wed Sep 23, 2026 @ 10:30 AM CDT
Messiah Lutheran Church • 5202 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53716
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23
Funeral Service
Wed Sep 23, 2026 @ 12:00 PM CDT
Messiah Lutheran Church • 5202 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions

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AD
A Memorial Tree was planted for Robert Cecil “Bob” Drake
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
DB
Donna Garcia and Peggy Boettger
Other •
With loving memories of "Robert Cecil Bob Drake",
JM
Jim March
Other •
Bob and l were friends since our freshman year in high school. We both played 4 years of football and later, l hunted with he and Roger on Roger’s farm. I also took Bob out on Lake Michigan for salmon and trout. He always was available when I needed a new bumper hitch or work from Madison Spring and I suspect the work was only a “cost”. We lost touch when I moved to La Crosse, but I often thought of him and our times together. With our sympathy. Jim and Billie March I
JG
Joanne and Dale Ganske
Other •
Deepest Sympathies to you Roseanne Larry and family. Blessings to you all. May your Dad rest in peace!! Joanne and Dale Ganske ❤️
LO
Linda Osborn
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Roseanne and Larry and family so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda Osborn and Curtis Osborn and Frank Milligan
DK
Deanna Kinney-Smith
Other •
As a friend of Roseanne’s, I’ve known the Drake family since I was 4. I was often at their house for sleepovers on weekends and went camping with them and to church. I remember Bob as a hard worker and he’d enjoy dinner and relax watching tv. He was always warm and welcoming and he and Joan were wonderful parents. That hardworking trait was passed on to his daughters who lovingly cared for him these past several years. I am grateful he is now at peace. My sympathy and condolences to the Drake family.❤️

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