Thomas Lake, MD

Dr. Thomas Lake, 83, of Springfield passed away on Monday May 3, 2021 at Cedarhurst Senior Living after a prolonged illness. He was born on April 3, 1938 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Philip and Theodora (Soderberg) Lake. Tom grew up in Rochester, MN and was the valedictorian of the Rochester High School Class of 1956. He then attended Beloit College on full scholarship.

Tom graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Beloit College in 1960 and was co-valedictorian with his future wife Joanne. He married Joanne Zimmerman in Appleton, Wisconsin on June 6, 1960 and she survives. Dr. Lake earned his M.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1964. Following a two-year stint as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant in the Medical Corps stationed on Guam, Tom was accepted for a three-year residency in diagnostic radiology at the Mayo Clinic.

In 1970, Dr. Lake joined Clinical Radiologists S.C. based at Memorial Hospital, performing various administrative roles over time, including Treasurer for over 20 years. Also in 1970, Tom began serving on the faculty of the then nascent SIU School of Medicine providing clinical instruction. Dr. Lake’s expertise was in bone and joint work, interventional radiology, and he was the lead mammographer for much of his career. Tom retired from Clinical Radiologists S.C. in 1998 and enjoyed spending time with family, especially at his summer home near Park Rapids, MN. Tom loved sports (mainly the Vikings, Twins and anything Illini), was an avid golfer and a member of Illini Country Club.

Dr. Lake also is survived by one brother, Dr. Jon Lake of San Clemente, California, two sons: Paul (Stephanie) Lake of Rochester and Greg (Jane) Lake of Madison, Wisconsin, six grandchildren: Ian, Alex, Max, Jackson, Eleanor and Clara Lake, and one great-grandchild, Finley Lake. Dr. Lake was a proud grandfather and number one fan and supporter of all his grandchildren’s activities. Tom will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Cremation rites were accorded. Due to the COVID epidemic, a private family celebration of life will be held. The family requests that memorial gifts be designated for cancer research at Mayo Clinic. Memorials can be made online at www.mayoclinic.org/ development or mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.