Published in the Star Tribune on 8/7/2004.
Minneapolis MN

        Verna F. (Holst) Lake
 
Lake (Holst) Verna F. Lake, age 89, of Rochester, MN, August 4,
2004. Preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Dr. Clifford F.
Lake, a former Mayo Clinic physician. She is survived by her children,
Clifford F. Lake, Jr. (Susan) of Wayzata, MN; Marilyn Lake of Lake City,
MN; Thomas O. Lake of Minneapolis, MN, seven grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren. Verna loved her family & spoke of them constantly.
Verna had been a resident of Charter House in Rochester for the past
fifteen years. Verna was born October 27, 1914, in Canning, SD. She
attended high school in Pierre, SD and graduated from the University of
South Dakota where she earned a degree in business. After marrying Cliff
and moving to Rochester, she worked in the business office of the Mayo
Clinic for two years prior to devoting full time to raising her three
children. She loved to knit and sew and was sought out by many to design
and make custom clothing. In the middle 60's, Verna and her good friend,
Dotty Blackmun, set up a small business to teach pattern design and
sewing. She loved gardening, reading and music. When Cliff retired from
the clinic they moved to Sun City, Arizona. In the summers they enjoyed
touring the world in their Airstream trailer. They had many adventures in
the United States, Canada and as far away as New Zealand. Shortly after
Cliff's death in 1989, Verna returned to Rochester and moved in to Charter
House where she enjoyed the rest of her days. The family wishes to thank
the thoughtful and caring staff at Charter House. They added immensely to
Verna's quality of life in her final years and especially in her final
days. Thank you also to the staff at St. Mary's Hospital and the Mayo
Hospice Program. They are all angels that helped Verna make her final
journey. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, August 8,
2004, in the Chapel at Charter House, 211 - 2nd Street N.W., Rochester,
MN 55901. Memorial gifts to The Charter House Employee Appreciation Fund,
c/o Judi Rae, Charter House, 211 - 2nd Street N.W., Rochester, MN 55901.