Walter Ronald Yake, 97, of Oak Harbor, passed away Dec. 28, 2009 in Coupeville. He was born in Heart Prairie, Walworth County, Wis., on July 6, 1912 to Paul Otto Yake and Nellie Jane West. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1930.

Walter married Louise Schweiger on Dec. 14, 1941 in Beaver Dam, Wis. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Provo, Utah LDS Temple. Louise and Walt were married 52 years when she passed away in February 1994. He later married Mary Etta Ek in 1995. She died in May of 2006.

Walt joined the U.S. Navy on Dec. 9, 1931. He served aboard the U.S.S. New York from September, 1932 until early 1942. He later served on the U.S.S. Merak. He was trained in electrical schools and in aviation electronics. He spent considerable time at sea and in foreign ports. At the time of the coronation of King George VI, the USS New York was chosen to be the representative in Portsmouth Harbor in England.

While serving on the Merak, he was the only one qualified to work on radar and the Merak was the only radar-equipped ship in the convoy. It was used to keep the ships in formation through fog and dark of night. He later served with his family along in Saipan, Marianas Islands. His last assignment was to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. When he retired from the Navy in 1957, Walt began work for civil service at NAS Whidbey, retiring again in 1973.

Walt was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities over the years. He had an amazing memory and a sharp, clear mind. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. He was talented at fixing things of a mechanical or electrical nature. He enjoyed reading his entire life as well as gardening for a number of years. He treasured his family and his many friends. He loved dogs and always has a dog when circumstances allowed.

Walt was preceded in death by his sister Florence Beranek, his infant brother Hubert, his wife Louise, his second wife Mary Etta (Methany) Ek, his son Richard Yake in 1987, one grandson Benjamin James Lee in 1985 and one great-granddaughter Abbigail Louise Yake in 1995.

He is survived by six children, James Yake (Peggy) of Sudden Valley, Margaret Wilkett (Ray) of Blaine, Marilynn Laypath (Richard) of Orem, Utah, Barbara Lee (John) of Sequim, Mary Frost (Michael) of Coupeville and Steven Yake (Susan) of Silverdale; two stepsons and a stepdaughter, David, William and Patty Ek; 27 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Jan. 2 at the Oak Harbor meeting house of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 201 NE O’Leary St. Burial followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

The family thanks the staff at Careage for their loving and compassionate care as well as the many friends and staff of Regency on Whidbey. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.