He was born on August 11, 1936, to Paul Joseph Laake and Angela (Schneider) Laake in Nada, Texas. On June 20, 1964, he married Agnes Schneider.

Paul worked as a mechanic for the Ford dealership in Columbus for many years. He spent time in the Army from 19591961.

He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council #2971.

Paul enjoyed gardening, woodworking, polka music, and listening to the Houston Astros on the radio.

Paul is survived by his daughter Paula M. Laake of Columbus; son Michael A. Laake and wife Kelly of Weimar; sisters Eileen Hand and husband Al of Anchorage, Alaska and Patricia Tolbert and husband Don of Great Bend, Kansas; grandchildren Andrew, Michael, and Kenny; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Angela Laake; wife Agnes Laake; and his son Stephen Laake.

Visitation was held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. A parish prayer service and K of C rosary followed at 7:00 p.m. officiated by Deacon John Glueck.

Funeral Service was

■ LAAKE, 11 held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus, Texas. Fr. James Dvorak officiated. Visitation at church was from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Burial took place in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus, Texas.

Pallbearers were Andrew Laake, Kenny Yeakley, Thomas Zimmermann, Robert Kroboth, Bobby Kroboth, and Michael Yeakley.

Memorials may be given to St. Anthony Catholic Church, P.O. Box 669, Columbus, TX, 78934, St. Anthony Catholic School, 635 Bonham St., Columbus, TX, K of C Council #2971, P.O. Box 92, Columbus, TX, 78934 or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.

com.