Harvey Ray Laake

Harvey Ray Laake, of Taylor, Texas, born September 26, 1941, went to be with our Lord on Monday, September 4, 2023.  He was the son of Arthur and Frieda (Kroeger) Laake, who proceeded him in death; along with one brother, Arthur Laake.  He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Judy Milam Laake; children, Teresa Krause (Brett); Stephen Laake (Connie Millard); Harvey (Clay) Laake (Angela); Tammy Laake (Gary Reimers); sister, Barbara Laake Zieschang (Morris); sister-in-law, Bonnie Milam Machu (Howard); grandchildren, Meghan Laake Caskey (Corey); Tyler Laake; Travis Laake; Sarah Laake Miles (Tyler); Zachary Jung; great-grandson, Cade Caskey; and many nieces and nephews.

Harvey was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather. His family and friends meant the world to him. He played as hard as he worked and he worked really hard, at Alcoa, at farming, and even in the garden.

Harvey was confirmed at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Wuthrich Hill). He served on the church council many terms and remained an active member helping with all fundraisers and activities.

Harvey graduated from Thrall High School in 1960 and was proud to attend the semi-annual class lunches until earlier this year.  He was very active in Thrall Tiger sports and FFA livestock shows while growing up, and later enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Harvey served on the Thrall ISD School Board for two terms.

Harvey was a farmer, rancher and custom hay baler and retired from Alcoa after 41 years.  He instilled a strong work ethic in his children, something they are thankful for now as adults. After retiring, he worked for M&M Excavating for 15 years and always considered Weston, Randa, and Remington honorary grandchildren.

His never-ending support of his family and friends was unequalled. He was always eager to help others. Always a strict disciplinarian with his children, once the grandkids came along, he was a softie and remained so, especially with the fly swatter nearby.

Harvey’s German heritage remained strong with his love of polka music, listening to the local daily polka show, and carrying forward the recipes he helped his mother and grandmother Kroeger with while growing up. He enjoyed canning, making homemade ice cream, and in later years, baking Grandma’s molasses cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies for his favorite daughter-in-law.

Harvey enjoyed traveling with Judy, especially driving trips to Colorado and nearby casinos.  He loved to listen to Mel Tillis gospel music on these driving trips.  He took the family on many summer driving vacations with the travel trailer. He fulfilled one of his final bucket lists items of visiting all 50 states; the last 9 states during two RV trips with Judy and their daughters.  He was also proud of the Danube River cruise; where he and Judy visited Germany and surrounding countries for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Harvey was an excellent gardener and most years provided produce to his wide circle of family, friends, and neighbors.  He continued helping with the annual spring and fall garden even after moving into town and handed down the garden to Tammy along with his green thumb.  He played softball in the church league, men’s league, even impromptu football, and volleyball games at family get togethers. Harvey loved to play dominoes and cards and took great pride in helping and teaching his farm and ranch skills to his son-in-law after moving to the country.

Harvey lived a vibrant and full life even with the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease the last eight years. Judy and the family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Neurology Solutions, Visiting Angels, Fairway Vista Assisted Living and especially Concho Hearts Hospice for their support and care.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Laake, Travis Laake, Zachary Jung, Corey Caskey, Tyler Miles, Scott Zieschang, Yancey Laake, Tracey Laake and Kevin Barchenger.  Honorary Pallbearer Cade Caskey.

A visitation will be held Friday, September 8th at 1:00 pm, with Celebration of Life service immediately following at 2:00 pm.

Burial at the Taylor City Cemetery, Taylor, Texas.

There will be a reception immediately following the burial at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
3101 CR 417
Taylor, TX 76574

Arrangements provided by Providence Funeral Home Taylor, TX.