Lake Franklin Critzer, 71, died on January 29, 2025 at home in Newport News, VA.
Lake was born and raised in Portsmouth, VA. A rascal and a good man from his early days, he
once both entrapped and rescued his sister Caroline from a fiery stake (he didn’t set the fire).
He and his cousins loved crabbing and they thought of him as the fun cousin. He loved going to
the mountain cabin his family built, particularly exploring the woods and target shooting. As a
teenager, he joined Bennett’s Creek Rescue where he became one of the early volunteer
medics. He was a past president of the Bennett’s Creek Volunteer Rescue Squad. He earned a
Bachelor of History Degree from Lynchburg College and shared fond memories of his college
days. Following a stint as a restaurant worker, Lake expanded his love of cooking into chef
ownership of the Pleasant Pheasant Bistro before he found his calling as a
firefighter/paramedic. He served the Chesapeake Fire Department from 1993 until his
retirement in 2008. He enjoyed his work, finding great friendship and camaraderie within the
Department. After retirement, he worked for Riverside Rehab in cardiac monitoring and at
EVMS as a CPR/ACLS and BLS instructor.
Setting aside his own ambitions, Lake was a caretaker for his mother in the last years of her life.
He was a favorite uncle to his nephews and nieces, and was always there for his family. Later in
life, Lake took a chance on a date with an ER nurse, Dee Dee.They met the old fashioned way:
Yahoo personals! They hit it off and became inseparable, marrying in 2006. He took making his
wife happy as his full time job, spoiling her rotten. Lake and Dee Dee enjoyed being members of
the Greater Hilton Kiwanis Club, of which Lake became president and recipient of the George F.
Hixson award. He enjoyed going to shows at Cozzy’s Comedy Club, listening to live music,
seeking out breweries, wineries, and distilleries, trying new restaurants – especially any
suggested by the late Anthony Bourdain, traveling, and traveling some more. Lake especially
enjoyed trips to Hawai’i and St. Maarten, and visits across the country to visit Dee Dee’s
children. He was also very active in home building projects, gardening, playing with the dogs,
cooking, camping, and watching every history channel or car rebuilding show. Lake embraced
Dee Dee’s family as a generous, thoughtful stepfather, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle.
Lake is survived by his beloved wife, Dee Dee Critzer, as well as his step children Brian
Horning, Kate (Erin) Horning, and Dave (Phoebe) Horning, grandchildren Joshua and Josiana,
and very good dogs Buffy and Buttons. Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings Scott
(Susan) Critzer and Caroline Bliss, and many nieces and nephews. Lake was preceded in
death by his parents Dr. Ben Lake Critzer and Nell Shanklin Critzer, his sister Marguerite
Creekmore, his brothers-in-law Patrick Rand and Wayne Conners, and the unforgettable
mother-in-law, “The MImi” (Marge Rand).
Lake’s family is grateful for the outstanding care provided to Lake by Riverside Hospice,
especially chaplain the Rev. Kathy Gray, his aid Courtney, and sitter Ann Kunze, private aid
Danielle Lindquist, respite with Elite Elder Care, and the numerous rehab facilities/ therapists/
physicians who provided support after Lake’s stroke in 2023.
A celebration of Lake’s life will be held Saturday, February 8 from 1-4 pm at Cozzy’s Comedy
Club in Newport News. Lake wanted a party, not a funeral, so come wearing your EMS/
Kiwanis/Hawaiian shirts with stories to share. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in
Lake’s honor to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Hilton Foundation, Soundscapes, Peninsula Food
Bank, or your local animal shelter. If you are unable to attend his farewell party in person,
please send your funny stories, favorite memories, and pictures to
kiwanismissyrand@gmail.com.