Thomas Erwin Hake

Thomas Erwin Hake was born on October 27, 1935 and he passed peacefully on October 9, just a couple of weeks before his 90th birthday. He had a rich and rewarding life with his wife of 69 years, Rosemary Likey Hake. He was the beloved father of his three daughters Amy Hake, Ellen Hake Phillips, and Melissa Hake Schofield. Tom was adored by his grandchildren, Tom Schofield (Hannah Schofield), Becky Schofield, Tommy Phillips, Allie Rose Phillips, Joseph Ratcliffe, and his great-grandson Hadrian Schofield. Tom was admired by his sons-in law Richard Schofield and Dennis Ratcliffe. He was blessed with his late parents Erwin and Marian Hake, his late brother Jim Hake, and his late in-laws Clare and Kay Likey. He was loved by his sisters in-law Judy Bobber and Kathie Byers, his cherished friend Avis Clendenen, and his many nieces and nephews.

Tom was born in Alexis, Illinois, and had many friends and teammates from Alexis Grammar School, Leaf River High School, and Northern Illinois University. He served eight years in the US Army leading to a brief stint overseas in London before settling into his teaching career at Morgan Park High School in Chicago, Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles, and Applecross High School in Australia. He was a much admired and much-loved teacher who made his mark in the classroom and out. His many teaching highlights included having astronaut Mae Jemison as his student at Morgan Park and also creating and leading the EMPEHI kazoo band (percussion provided by toilet seats!) in illustrious performances culminating in a spot in the South Side Irish Parade down Western Avenue. His life was enriched by his colleagues and students.

Tom played three years professional football for the San Diego Chargers before beginning his teaching career. Sports and athletics remained central and vital throughout his life. He regularly showed up for his Leaf River reunion basketball game, playing into his 80’s. In his last game before the pandemic, he wowed the crowd scoring six points and pulling down four rebounds. His many other sporting achievements included Los Angeles Senior Olympic gold in basketball and softball, and most recently was MVP at the Smith Village Senior Olympics competition just two months ago. And in addition to his own activities, he coached, guided, supported and endlessly celebrated all his family’s sporting achievements.

He will be missed and forever loved by all who were fortunate to know him – friends, students and colleagues from around the world and neighbors right here from Hampton House in Hyde Park and his new friends in the Smith Village community.

Tom's memorial visitation will be at Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski in Chicago on Thursday, October 16th 2025, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Salvation Army or the Chicago Animal Care and Control Center in his name.