James Eugene “Gene” Lake, 79, of Rio passed away October 4th, 2024.
Gene was born May 8th, 1945, the son of George and Reva Lake. He graduated from ROVA High School in 1963. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1966-1968 in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the UAW local #79 and worked for John Deere retiring with 40 years of service. He owned Gene Lake Towing and a roofing business as side jobs.
He enjoyed fishing, building and racing stock cars, skydiving, playing Scrabble and the Craps table.
Gene is survived by Kathy Lake, daughters Pam (Chad) Brass and Patty (Adam) Brunner, granddaughters Eva and Natalie Brunner and Madelyn and Peyton Brass. Siblings Georgia Ann (Joe) Moreno, Roger (Judy) Lake, Rodney (Theresa) Lake and Joan Godsil and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. There will be a time of sharing of stories for friends and family at 2 p.m. Private graveside service with military rites will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oneida American Legion Post #727, Tri County Ambulance, or R.O.W.V.A. Public Schools Foundation.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Caring Senior Service (Gail), Tri County Ambulance, Trinity Hospital Rock Island and Clarissa Cook Hospice House for their compassion and care.
