Paul E. Stake

Paul Erik Stake, 60, the beloved husband of Debra Lee (Avery) Stake, died peacefully Wednesday Oct. 20, 2004 at the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. Born in Grandy, Minnesota, January 15, 1944, he was the son of the late Rudolph and Frances (Erikson) Stake. A graduate of Cambridge High School, he earned college degrees in animal science, biochemistry and nutrition from the University of Minnesota, South Dakota State University and the University of Georgia. He was a member of the faculty of the University of Connecticut College of Agricultural and Natural Resources for more than 27 years with responsibilities that included teaching, research, administration and public outreach. Declining physical health due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) forced an early retirement. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Janet Babbitt and son in law Bradford of W. Hartford; 2 sons, Johnathan and daughter in law Denise of Tolland and Joseph and daughter in law Elisabeth of Storrs. He is also survived by his stepson Douglas and his wife Rhonda of Bozrah and 8 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother David Lee Stake. He showed remarkable poise and courage throughout his struggle with ALS. He will be missed as a father, grandfather, husband, teacher, friend, garlic farmer and author. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Sunday from 5:00 to 8:00pm. His funeral service will be held at the Leffingwell Baptist Church, 388 Salem Turnpike (Rte. 82) Bozrah on Monday at 10:00am. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial donations to the ALS Assoc. of CT., 4 Oxford Rd., Unit D1, Milford, CT. 06460 or to the Bozrah Volunteer Fire Dept., Bozrah, CT. 06334 or to the Leffingwell Baptist Church, P.O. Box 250, Bozrah, CT. 06334. Please visit at www.potterfh.com for online memorial guestbook and directions.