Melburn "Mel" Lake

Mel Lake, 86, of Great Falls, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, due to complications from COPD.Mel was born to Melburn and Claire Lake on November 3, 1930, in Vermillion, South Dakota. At the age of 13, Mel and his brother moved to Great Falls with their mother. Mel attended Great Falls High School from 1944 to 1948, when he left to join the Navy.Mel married Shirley Larkin in 1953 and had three children: Viki, Rick and Semelee. They later divorced. In 1965, he met his future wife, Phyllis J. Mortensen. They married in 1968 and had one daughter, Valerie, in 1969.During his lifetime, Mel was employed by Buttrey Foods, Rainbow Hotel and later, Buttrey Department Store selling stereos. He also traveled throughout the midwest with the Johnny Hider Band for over 3 years and performed with many bands in North Central Montana and Canada for over 25 years, playing both trumpet and drums.Mel began playing trumpet at age 9, inspired by his idol, Harry James. He loved music of the Big Band Era as well as modern jazz and Bebop. He also enjoyed dancing and took many lessons at the former Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Great Falls. He passed on his love of dance to his daughter, Valerie. Mel also enjoyed cooking. He received his cooking certificate from the Great Falls Vo-Tech in 1987 and was proud of his accomplishment. Mel made many wonderful meals at home for over 40 years and always had supper ready at 6:00 p.m.Mel is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Phyllis; daughters Viki Lensing, Semelee Luinstra and Valerie (David) Grubich; half-sister Aldene Hedin; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Orrin Knutson; brother Marlin; and son Rick.Mels family would like to thank the staff at Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation at Park Place, especially Bobbie Voelker, CNA, for taking such wonderful care of him during his last three weeks of life. A private graveside service will be held for family at Highland Cemetery. Friends of Mel are invited to join his family for a celebration of Mels life at Schnider Funeral Home Hospitality Room on Saturday, August 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Music by the John Gemberling Band and refreshments will be provided.