The life given us by nature is short, but the memory of a life well spent is eternal. -Cicero
Michael Leo Drake, 66, of Oregon, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at UW Health: University of Wisconsin Hospital with his wife Mary by his side. Mike was born July 16, 1957, in Prairie du Chien, WI, to Virgil and Phyllis Drake.
He grew up on a farm in rural Gays Mills, WI, and graduated from North Crawford High School in 1975. He attended Southwest Technical College for mechanics and later lineman school at Moraine Park Technical College in Beaver Dam. Mike was employed as a lineman by Madison Gas & Electric for 32 years until his retirement in May 2019.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12 noon on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at St. Philip Catholic Church, Rolling Ground, WI, with Father Tom Huff officiating. Prior to the funeral mass, family and friends are invited to the Gays Mills Community Center in Gays Mills, WI, from 8:30-11 a.m. for coffee and Mike’s favorite donuts from Cakery & Bake Shop of Viroqua.
To honor Mike’s legacy and his gift for detailing a great story, there will be no formal receiving line. Rather, this celebration of life will be an opportunity for those who wish to share a short eulogy as we reminisce, remember, and cherish a treasured friend.
The family requests no flowers or remembrance gifts. Memorials will be used to promote local literacy and reading programs in schools, hospitals, and educational institutions to honor Mike’s lifelong love of reading. The Kendall Funeral Service in Boscobel is assisting the family. Online condolences can be sent to www.kendallfuneralservice.com
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Michael L "Mike" Drake, please visit our Tree Store at https://www.kendallfuneralservice.com/obituary/Michael-Drake/1069021/memorial-tree.Complete obituary in the Jan. 25th issue of the Boscobel Dial.
