March 1, 2024 – Washington Co., WI – Kenneth R. “Ken” Drake, 88, of West Bend was called home to be with the Lord on February 28, 2024, at Aurora Medical Center in Hartford surrounded by his loving family.
Ken was born on July 9, 1935, in Laona to Wade and Addie Drake (Spencer). He was united in marriage to Beverly Ann Rauguth on August 9, 1958, in Milwaukee.
Ken graduated from Crandon High School. He went on to serve in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956 and was stationed in Korea as a medic in the MASH unit. Ken attended MATC Barber School and then opened his own barber shop in Southgate Mall in Milwaukee. Ten years later, he sold his barber shop and started his 32-year career at Rexnord Corp in West Milwaukee, where he was a machine repairman, machinist, and millwright.
Ken was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He made many trips to Canada and other other rustic places around Wisconsin.
Those Ken leaves behind to cherish his memory include his sons, Wade Drake and Brian Drake; and brother-in-law, Michael Niemi. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Drake; siblings, Rollie Drake, Bev (Evelyn) Drake, Lillian (Earl) Gretzinger, Rodney (Dolores) Drake, and Shirley Niemi.
VISITATION: Ken’s family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service – 1315 W Washington St. – West Bend, WI 53095.
SERVICE: A Funeral Service in remembrance of Ken will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
INTERMENT: The burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Crandon on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 1 p.m.
Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Ken’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.
