William J. Lake, age 85, of Sac City, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2006, at Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, November 9th, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sac City with Reverend Matt Milligan officiating. Burial with military graveside rites will be at the Oakland Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.

Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 8th, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.

Bill was born on July 1, 1921, in Sac City, Iowa, the son of Sebastian and Margaret (Currie) Lake. He was baptized and confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church as a child and remained a life-long member serving as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and youth leader. Bill graduated from Sac City High School in 1939.

Some time after high school he traveled to California where he worked for Lockheed building aircraft until he was inducted into the U.S. Army serving his country during World War II in the Pacific. Corporal William J. Lake received 6 Battle Stars, as well as other honors before his Honorable Discharge in 1946.

On February 20, 1947, Bill was united in marriage to Anna Jean Houdeshell at the Presbyterian Church in Carroll, Iowa. They made their home in Sac City. He worked for Williams Mill and for a time he worked at Hygrade in Storm Lake. In 1950 he began his employment with the State of Iowa working for the Department of Transportation. After 34 years he retired in 1985.

Bill delighted in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband and father attending many of their activities and events. He took great pride in his service to his country, and for over 50 years raised the U.S. Flag at most Sac City home football games.

Bill was active in the life of the Presbyterian Church, American Legion and the V.F.W. His love of sports kept him running and exercising well into his 80's. He helped establish the Sac City Recreation Center and spent a great deal of time there.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Sebastian and Margaret Lake; his brother, Don; two sisters, Jean and Jeanette; and his daughter, Mary Louise Johnson.

Bill will leave fond memories with his survivors; his wife, Anna Jean; his sons, Mark and wife Bev of Tucumcari, New Mexico and Bill Jr. and wife Sue of Independence, Iowa; 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.