David L. Hake

Mr. David L. Hake was born July 17, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as an only child, to the late Leo and late Katherine Hake and passed away January 26, 2023, in Rochester, Michigan.  David was the beloved husband of 65 years to Sharon (Kaschalk) Hake.  He was the loving father of Lee Ann (August) Kalohn, Diane Hake, William (Lisa) Hake, Barbara (Roger) Thorman, Robert Hake and Mary Kay Hake.

David attended school at the University of Detroit and worked several occupations including window sales with his father.  But for most of his career, he worked as a carpenter in an insulation business.

David lived in Detroit until 1969, then moved his family to the Romeo, Michigan area where he spent most of his adult life.  David and Sharon owned and operated Rochester Hill Stables for 38 years, while employing many children and grandchildren through the years, making it a true family business.  David was known as the “greeter and the gabber” of the barn, always willing to share information and brag about his children and grandchildren.  His passion for horses started as a boyfriend to Sharon, watching her compete in the late 1950’s through supporting his granddaughters compete around the country.

Outside of the horse industry, David was known as a sport enthusiast.  He encouraged his children to participate in all sports and never missed attending a game.  He prided himself as the “color man” contributing commentary for the local television coverage of the Romeo High School football and basketball games for several years.  David would give a history lesson on multiple players and multiple teams from multiple sports.  And people listened and learned.  It was his passion.

David also was an avid reader of history.  He had a library filled with Civil War and World War II books, many of them were read twice.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 715 N. Lapeer Road in Lake Orion.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home, 111 East Flint Street in Lake Orion.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families and Parenting Tips , a cause he believed in and often contributed to.