Lake, Lester M., 1857-1936

LAKE, MCPHERSON

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

From the Hawarden Independent, May 7, 1936:

SUDDEN DEATH OF L. M. LAKE
Suffered Stroke and Died at Mitchell, S.D. Tuesday
Was nearly 79 Years Old and Lived in Hawarden 46 Years—Leaves Wife and One Son

L. M. Lake, early day Hawarden business man and long time resident of this city, died suddenly at Mitchell, S.D., shortly after 4 o’clock Tuesday afternoon [May 5] following a stroke.

Mr. Lake, apparently in his usual health, left Hawarden early Tuesday morning and drove by himself to his farm, located about ten miles west of Mitchell. After spending some little time at the farm he started back to Mitchell about noon and when about five miles from town suffered a dizzy spell as he turned out to go around a truck with the result that he side-swiped the truck, damaging both the truck and his own car to some extent. He was able, however, to drive his car on into Mitchell and drove it into a garage and then went to a hotel.

As he was apparently quite ill a physician was summoned and Mr. Lake was put to bed in a hotel room. The physician realized that his condition was quite serious and questioned Mr. Lake regarding any acquaintances in Mitchell. Mr. Lake informed him that he knew L. C. Kroh, who lived as a neighbor to the Lake family in Hawarden nearly forty years ago. Mr. Kroh was summoned to the hotel and as Mr. Lake was then feeling slightly improved Mr. Kroh persuaded him to accompany him to his home. Mr. Lake was able to dress himself alone and went to the Kroh home where he suffered another stroke and passed away suddenly about an hour later. The Barnard ambulance was driven to Mitchell Tuesday night and the body was returned to Hawarden.

Lester M. Lake was born at Clinton, Wis., June 30, 1857, and so lacked a little more than a month of being 79 years of age. He grew to young manhood in Wisconsin and on Oct. 16, 1888, he was united in marriage with Carrie McPherson at Harvard, Ill. He and his bride grew up in the same vicinity even though they lived in different states. In 1890, a year and a half after their marriage, he and his wife came to Hawarden and he has made his home here continuously since that time. When he came to Hawarden Mr. Lake opened a general store in the building in which the postoffice is now located and he operated the store for a considerable number of years. He sold the business nearly 35 years ago and has since devoted his time to looking after his property in this city and his land interests near Mitchell.

He was the last member of his family, being one of six children. Besides his wife he is survived by one son, Willis D. Lake of Los Angeles, Calif., and one granddaughter, Jeanette Lake of Los Angeles.

Mr. Lake erected the building occupied by the Council Oak store and the Odd Fellows hall and was still owner of the first floor and real estate at the time of his death.

Word of his death was sent to his son, Willis Lake at Los Angeles, and he is now on his way here. He expects to reach Hawarden early Friday afternoon and it is probable that funeral services will be held the same afternoon following his arrival. However, definite funeral arrangements have not as yet been made.

Mr. Lake was very active for a man of his years and took pride in keeping his home surroundings tidy and neat. He was honest in dealing with his fellow men and through his thriftiness acquired property which enabled him and his wife to live comfortably all the years since he retired from active business affairs. Mr. Lake was apparently in good health and his sudden death which came while he was looking after his farming interests comes as a severe blow to his wife and son.