Edward J. Hake, 76, of Fort Wayne, Indiana died Friday, August 23, 2024, at his home. Born November 17, 1947, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Edward was the son of the late Joseph H. Hake and Rose (Schenkel) Hake. He attended Most Precious Blood Grade School. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1966. Edward graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 1970.

In his early years, he worked at Sandpoint Greenhouse. Later, Edward was a loan officer at Chase bank, where he retired after 20 years, but he was so much more. He was a passionate botanist who could scientifically identify any plant's taxonomy using Latin binomial nomenclature. He owned ET Greenhouse on the corner of Reed and State Street. Edward was a member of the Ft. Wayne Bonsai Club where he competently and faithfully served as their treasurer for many years. He regularly volunteered for community education events at the Ft. Wayne Botanical Gardens. He was a founding member of the Three Rivers Orchid Club. He enjoyed creating outdoor pond gardens in his backyard, sometimes in a sunken bathtub or even in a small bucket. His large and diverse bonsai garden was his pride and joy. He also raised exotic plants, snakes, African cichlid fish, cockatiels, zebra finches, and a parrot named "Finally."

To say Edward was a vital part of the fabric of our family is an understatement. He was wonderful with children and instilled each of his nieces and nephews with knowledge and insight. He planted seeds of curiosity and taught many of us hobbies we will have for a lifetime (gardening, bonsai and genealogy). He brought light to any room, as well as homegrown veggies, freshly potted bonsai and Christmas treats for all. Edward was always there to remind us of birthdays and family history. He also taught us lessons in loyalty and unconditional love. He took daily care of his mother, Rose, until she died in 2009.

Edward was a devoted son, brother, uncle, great uncle, and friend to many. Edward is survived by his brothers; James (Carol) Hake, John (Tammi) Hake, and Timothy (Karen) Hake; former sister-in-law, Caroline Kveinis; nieces, Michelle Hake (Mark) Clark, Lanah Hake Tarango, Kelly Hake, Abigail (Mike) Kellermeyer, Anna (JR) Method, Stefanie (Thomas) Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Hake, Katherine (Steven) Bogenschutz; nephews, Nathan Hake, Joseph Hake, John (Catherine) Hake, Ryan Hake, Fr. Patrick Hake, Jonathan (Jennifer) Hake, and Michael Hake; 7 great nieces; 5 great nephews; and a large extended family. Edward was preceded in death by his father, Joseph H. Hake in 1965; his mother, Rose K. Hake in 2009; brother Joseph W. Hake in 2019; and sister-in-law Sally (Aurentz) Hake in 2017.

A Mass of Christian Resurrection will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 East Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Catholic Cemetery following the Mass.

Memorials can be written to St. Peter's Food Pantry, 518 E. Dewald Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46803 and to Humane Fort Wayne, 901 Leesburg Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (www.humanefw.org) in Edward's name.