Dean N. Lake, age 90, of rural Earlville, IL, died Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009 at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center in DeKalb.

He was born June 6, 1919 in Waterman, IL, the son of Arthur Howard Lake and Ethel Lake, nee Nisbet.

When Dean was a youngster, his family moved to California, where Dean grew up. He graduated from high school in California and attended college for two years.

Dean met his future wife, the former AnnOsman, through a friend in California.

Dean would take Ann for rides in his airplane and would give her lunch money as well as rides to school.

They dated for two years and were married on Feb. 7, 1941 in Pomona, CA. Dean and Ann loved to go dancing.

Dean's enjoyment in life was flying.

He was a flying instructor for the Army and then went on to become a test pilot for Ryan aircraft of San Diego.

He was a test pilot for one of America's first jet aircraft: the Ryan FR-1 (Fireball). After the war, he flew a Stearman crop duster in the 1950's and 1960's for Del Monte Corporation.

He owned a Beechcraft Baron aircraft and operated his own air charter service.

Dean also owned a Cessna 195 vintage aircraft and was a member of the Cessna 195 club.

They traveled with the Vagabond Flying Club and Flying Farmers.

They traveled throughout the world and even to Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Dean also owned and managed a 1200 acre hog and cattle farm near Rollo , IL from 1950 until 2005.

At its height, his farming, he finished 1200 head of cattle and over 2000 hogs.

He was a member and former director of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau and a member of the Rollo United Church of Christ.

Dean was also a member of the BMW motorcycle club and enjoyed the trips he took to Mexico and across the United States with the club.

Dean and Ann both enjoyed their winter home in Hemet California.

They also enjoyed spending time with son Bryan in St. Maarten and with son Steve in Florida.

In later years, they enjoyed their new house near Rollo, IL. He is survived by his wife Ann, of Rollo; son Stephen Lake, of Rollo; granddaughter Amy Lake of Columbia, Missouri; preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bryan who was at the time of his achievement, one of the youngest Captains for TWA and died on March 9, 1999; also one brother, Willis Lake.

Funeral services were held Oct. 17, 2009 at the Rollo United Church of Christ with Pastor David Marquardt officiating.

Burial in Stevens Cemetery near Rollo.