Archie Raymond Lake

Archie Lake, age 87, died Monday, June 23rd, 2025 peacefully at his home in Menahga, Minnesota due to health complications.

Archie Raymond Lake was born on October 30th, 1937 to Arthur and Lempi Lake on the land he would spend most of his life. Archie grew up with his five siblings, and he was known for goofing off and working hard in equal measure. Archie graduated from Sebeka High School in 1956.

After high school Archie moved to the Iron Range to work in the mines. While working there he met Joyce Leino. Being devoted Finlanders the two chose St. Urho’s Day, March 16th, 1963 to be wed. They were even crowned St. Urho’s Day King and Queen in 2018. Together they built a life they loved, adding 4 wonderful children. This was the start of a 62 year marriage that was filled with laughs, love, and annoying one another. Although Archie and Joyce could never agree on what temperature the house should be, their love still stood the test of time.

Archie was a hard worker who spent time working at Lakes Service for more than 50 years. While working at Lakes Service, Archie was known for operating a backhoe skillfully, installing septic systems, and digging graves. He worked hard to keep his customers happy by going out of his way to help them and made many friends along the way.

It is hard to sum up in writing a man of little words. It's so much easier to describe Archie’s life through the actions he lived by and the legacy he left behind for others. Archie never hesitated to help someone in need, he was humble, and he showed love to all. His strong faith and service to the Lord was an important part of his life. Archie was a baptized child of God, and he was a faithful member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga for 60 years.

Archie loved his family, saunas, a cold beer, the Minnesota Twins, the Red Eye Country Boys, deer hunting, late-night polka shows, puzzles, and getting into some good trouble. Archie would most likely be found watching a baseball game, sitting in his favorite chair, and working on vintage snowmobiles. His passion for snowmobiling continued throughout his entire life with his involvement in starting the Archie Lake Vintage Snowmobile Ride. Archie was often heard whistling or getting the lyrics wrong to classic and beloved songs. The world will be a much quieter place without him to fill the silence, but his expressions, songs, and whistling will live on in the memories of those who loved him.

Archie is survived by his wife of 62 years Joyce Lake: four children, Carol (Steve) Lindroos; Mike (Luanna) Lake; Jeff (Vicki) Lake and Sarah Weyer (Kirk Wallace). He is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Kayla (Ethan) Huttunen, Ben Lindroos, Joe Lindroos, Jacob (Shannara) Lake, Brady Lake, Madison Lake, Maya Lake (Gunner Starzl), Maci Lake, Max Lake, Samantha (Jacob Friedel) Lake, Jordan Weyer, and Carter Weyer and eight great-grandchildren Nora, Cooper, Ella, Lyla, Hadley, Emmary, Charlotte, and “little” Archie; sister-in-law Betty Warren; sister Lucille Heiskala; brother Ervin (Phoebe) Lake; sister Bernice (Bob) Reini; sister-in-law Faye (Jim) Carpenter; brother-in-law Stanley Leino; sister-in-law Rhonda Leino. Archie was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Lempi Lake; brother Johnny Lake; sister Lila Lubitz; brother-in-law Ray Heiskala; sister-in-law Sheila Leino; and brother-in-law Roger Leino. As well as many relatives and friends.

Archie’s funeral will be held Thursday, July 3rd at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga, Minnesota starting at 11 AM with visitation one hour before the service. Interment will be at Meadow Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery following the meal.