Ivan Herbert Lake

Ivan Herbert Lake, age 78 of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 4, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Ivan was born on October 31st, 1944, in Ionia, Michigan to Ivan Hersel and Maxine (Smith) Lake.

He attended Ionia High school in Ionia, Michigan and was the third of four children. Ivan loved growing up on the family farm and was especially fond of his favorite horse, Silver. Growing up, Ivan enjoyed watching his dad work on John Deere tractors at the family business and on the farm. He was an avid athlete, and a highly ranked gymnast during high school. He continued his education at Ferris State University and Western Michigan University, graduating in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He married Paula Seydel and they had three sons.

Ivan began his career as an industrial engineer at Clark Equipment in Battle Creek, MI. During his time there he was able to travel to Seoul, South Korea to assist in operations overseas. He cherished his time while at Clark and the friendships he made there carried well into the years after Clark left Battle Creek. Ivan’s versatility and hard work helped him attain his nursing home administrator's license. He loved talking about his time as a nursing home manager and was known for making time for the residents and making them feel valued. After a few years, he spent some time working at American Fibrit and Isringhausen. Eventually, he started a business that gave him the most joy and satisfaction. Ivan bought a John Deere tractor and ran his own bucket, brush hog and backhoe business until he retired in 2018.

He enjoyed watching his boys compete athletically, fishing, hunting, camping, boating, cutting wood, gardening, operating his John Deere tractor, visiting his grandchildren, and doing just about anything outside.

Ivan is survived by his second wife, Beryl Elizabeth “Beth” Lake of Fort Wayne, IN; brother Thomas “Dan” (Roberta) Lake; sister Lavonne (Bill) Bennett; sons Clint (Kim) Lake, Nick (Jiali) Lake, and Matt (Michelle) Lake, stepsons, Jon Asher and Chad (Leanne) Asher, 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and his sister-in-law, Allison Lake. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Ivan is preceded in death by a brother, Lou, 2 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.