Gene Ronald Hake, age 90 years, of Lomira was called home to be with the Lord on March 30, 2026 at AdavaCare in Pewaukee surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was born on March 6, 1936, in Menomonie, WI to Lyle and Johanna Hake (Bovitz). Gene married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Page, both age 19, on January 21, 1956. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in January 2026.

Gene and Dorothy went on to have 5 children, who all married and proceeded to bestow upon them 19 grandchildren, which led to the current (but not yet complete) number of 44 great-grandchildren.

Family meant everything to Gene. He instilled the love for music in all his children by sharing his enthusiastic passion for barbershop singing; both by performing in quartets as well as directing barbershop choruses. He demonstrated a love for sports and was a true green and gold Packer fan. He also loved bowling, fishing, swimming, basketball, baseball, golfing, woodworking, travel both inside and outside the country, and became famous for his “eye rolling, funny Dad jokes.” Gene graduated from Colfax High School in 1954. He pursued various business employment opportunities before landing his sales representative position for Tekra Corporation in New Berlin where he found his niche in working with people and selling textile products. He eventually became Vice President and retired at 57. Gene and his wife became “snow birds” and enjoyed winters in AZ then went on to travel to other countries such as Australia and Germany. In addition to wintering in AZ, he owned several RVs and traveled extensively. Gene accomplished his dream goal and became a private pilot at age 40. He was also able to realize his dream of owning horses and riding them through the Kettle Moraine forest. He was also an expert grill master whose steaks were legendary.

Gene will be remembered by his family and friends as always bringing a smile to everyone’s faces that he met, for helping anyone who needed it, offering his wisdom and advice to those who needed it (and sometimes to those who didn’t. :) He was someone you could always count on.

His faith was unshakeable. He directed church choirs and often sang in church. He played a big role in establishing the fellowship hall at St. Mary’s in Dousman. He was a proud American and had a deep respect for the military and often spoke of his uncle who was killed in the war.

Those Gene leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 70 years, Dorothy; five children, Majorie (Patrick) Metcalf, Pamela (Joseph) Tajnai, Randall (Lori) Hake, Gregory (Janine) Hake, and Timothy (Sherryl) Hake; 19 grandchildren, Adam (Elise) Metcalf, Sam (Evans) Metcalf, Anna (Angel) Herrera, Max (Emme) Metcalf, Sara (Adrian) McNeal, Steve (Amy) Tajnai, Rebekah (Greg) Faas, Ben (Sarah) Tajnai, Jon (Kelsea) Tajnai, Daniel (Abby) Tajnai, Jenn Taylor, Kate (Joe) Pierre, James (Rachel) Hake, Justin (Amber) Hake, Amanda (Nick) Goeckner, Jordan (Nichole) Wulfrath, Braden (Jacqueline) Fay, Riley Fay, Kaelen Fay, Braden (Anna) Hake, and Everett Hake; 44 great-grandchildren (and counting); sister, Marilyn (the late Joseph) Figlmiller; sister-in-law, Sara Watts; and aunts, Betty Moldenhauer and Lois Clarke. He is further survived by former daughter-in-law, Kim Hake; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Johanna Hake; and aunts and uncles.

VISITATION: Gene’s family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Trinity Methodist Church, 300 Church St., Lomira, WI 53048.

SERVICE: A Memorial Service in remembrance of Gene will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Church with Pastor Mulongo Mpoyo officiating.

Memorials in Gene’s name can be directed to Trinity Methodist Church in Lomira or AdavaCare in Pewaukee

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at AdavaCare in Pewaukee and Preceptor Hospice for their incredible care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Gene’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.