Gregory Drake

Gregory “Greg” Drake, 80, Mosinee, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2018, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born in Mosinee, WI on May 21, 1937 to parents Shirley and Bernice (Laszewski) Drake.

Greg was raised in Mosinee, where he graduated from Mosinee High School in 1955. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and North Central Technical College. Greg was a star athlete in school and outside of school. He was known for his talents in football, basketball, baseball, hockey and golf. It was during this time that he earned the nickname “Perp”, that stuck with him well into his “golden years.”

In 2007, Greg returned to Mosinee after retiring from Employers Mutual Insurance of Iowa in Minneapolis where he worked as a Senior Auditor. In that same year, he married Jill Brannon, and lived in the same house that belonged to his parents. He prided himself in being a good neighbor and friend and having a perfect lawn, yellow flowers for Jill, and a small “fleet” of cars.

Greg is survived by; his sister, Sharon (Joseph) Garibaldi; his brother, Jerome Drake; sisters-in-law, Betty Drake and Dorothy Clark; and brother-in-law, Bob Olson. Additionally, many nieces and nephews survive him.

Greg was the “cool uncle” and had special connections with many of his nieces and nephews as they were growing up and after they became adults. He was a mentor, friend and fan at their sporting events. He took pride in them, and in the next generation of nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Greg was preceded in death by; his wife, Jill; his brothers, Gilbert and Eugene; his sisters, Joyce Clark and Joan Olson; brother-in-law, Robert “Dutch” Clark; sister-in-law, Yvonne Drake; nephews, Jeff Drake and Mark Olson.

Greg will be remembered for his kind heart, honesty, caring attitude and sense of humor.

Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, April 23, 2018, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Donald Przybylski will officiate. Burial will be at St. Paul Cemetery, Mosinee. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of services all at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Hospice House for the care, kindness and guidance they gave Greg and his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Greg’s name should be directed to Aspirus Hospice House, 520 N. 32nd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401.