Rev. Mark W. Lake

Rev. Mark W. Lake, most recently of Tucumcari, New Mexico, passed away the evening of June 28, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Beverly Lake, three children: Chad Lake, of LeMars, IA, his partner Vanessa Swift of Annapolis, MD, Molly Flotte and husband Matthew of Alamogordo, NM, and Joshua Lake and wife Carrie Jo of Rollinsville, CO as well as eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  Mark is also survived by his brother Bill and wife Sue, of Independence, IA. In addition to these, he will be missed by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mark was born to Bill and Anna Jean Lake of Sac City, IA on August 2, 1949, in Carroll, IA.  Mark attended Sac City schools, graduating in 1967. He completed a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern Iowa in 1970, and a Master of Divinity from The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 1980.

Mark’s ministry took him and his family to Wheatland Presbyterian Church in Wheatland, IA, Lakeside Presbyterian in Storm Lake, IA, United Church in Two Harbors, MN, Nederland Community Presbyterian in Nederland, CO and finally Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church in Tucumcari, NM.  Woven throughout his life in Ministry is a career as an artist. Mark was an accomplished potter and sculptor, as well as a painter.

In addition to Pastor and artist, his family will remember him as a lover of the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, canoeing, and riding horses. In his last decade, he could regularly be found on his boat at Ute Lake hunting the depths for walleye. His family often joined him in these adventures on the water, including trips to Minnesota for ice fishing, and canoeing. He also volunteered for many years with Bev at Highlands Camp in Allenspark, CO helping to lead the horse camp trips into the backcountry.

Mark was a bright light to all who knew him, as beloved family, friend, colleague, or pastor. His passing will leave a great void for those who knew and loved him. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 3:00pm, at Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Interment of ashes in Sac City, IA will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations be made to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Tucumcari, NM.

Rev. Lake's care has been entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.