Gary Alan Lake

Gary Alan Lake, age 73, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023. Gary was born in Marshall, Michigan on April 4, 1950, to Jack Lake and Janice (Whitsel) Lake.

He lived in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School in 1968. While in school, he enjoyed playing on the football team. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Tucson, Arizona. He married Alta Fay Drake, and they had a son, Jeffrey. After Gary was discharged from the Air Force, they moved back to Battle Creek and later had a daughter, Julie (Chantrenne). That marriage ended in divorce. He later married Lynn Novelli Cohoon, and that marriage also ended in divorce. He worked for Michigan Paperboard, which later became Graphic Packaging. He retired from Graphic Packaging after nearly thirty-three years of service.

Gary enjoyed camping and watching the Tigers and Lions on TV. In his earlier years with his first wife, they were members of a gospel group “The Joyful Travelers”.

Gary is survived by his son Jeff (Michele) Lake and their son Perry, his daughter Julie (Jon) Chantrenne and their children Andruw and Ella. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jacalyn, his brother Phillip, and his infant sister Vicky Lynn.

Friends may visit with the family from 5 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., officiated by Pastor Jim Codde. A committal service will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Senior Care Partners, P.A.C.E., 200 W Michigan Ave, Suite 103, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Please visit https://www.kempffuenralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family. For assistance with memorials, please visit the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.