John Edward Hake

August 4, 1961 — April 9, 2025

John Hake was born in Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated from Winnetonka High School in 1979 and Rockhurst College in 1983. He worked for Steve's Shoes at the Antioch Shopping Center, then for the U.S. Census Bureau, and finally at M.J. Harden Associates, holding a mapping position there until declining physical abilities forced him to go on disability.

During his childhood he spent every summer with his grandparents, Margaret and Edward Klesner, who lived in Fort Madison, Iowa – a division point on the Santa Fe Railway, which then became his favorite railroad. He often went to Fort Madison via train, and that's likely the initial source of his love for trains and especially passenger trains. In later years he often rode Amtrak to Fort Madison to visit his grandma. Railroad photography was his primary pastime throughout his life, and in that he traveled across most of the U.S. and Canada. He was often accompanied by his close railfan friends. He also enjoyed volunteering for the National Railway Historical Society on steam excursions, where he could ride the rails and assist others. He participated frequently in online communities, including Train orders and Flikr, where he was known as "Sneebly."

He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Sandra Hake (Klesner). He is survived by his sister, Mary Hake Carroll (William) of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, and a nephew, Edward Carroll. He is also survived by his beloved cousins, Julie Hake Henshaw (who made sure he had a place at the table on holidays), and the "Hake boys," Bruce, Mark, Matt, Jim, and Chris Jones, all of who kept his spirits up with their emails, calls, and visits.

His close railroad friends included Kevin EuDaly, Lon EuDaly, Mel Wilson, Tom Finger, and the late Alan Bradley. Once wheelchair bound by Parkinson's he resided with Kevin for several years, and then lived independently, thanks to longtime friend and neighbor-turned-landlord, Damian Johnson, who equipped a handicap-friendly house especially for John. Several caretakers helped John for many years, including Jay and Andrea EuDaly, Kevin EuDaly, Sharon Michael, Evan EuDaly, and Ted and Pam Luce.

Though his first love was trains, he was also an avid Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs fan. John's unique sense of humor, his wit with language, and his enthusiastic railroad interest will be missed by those close to him and his online friends.

In respect with John's wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. His ashes will be spread along the Santa Fe at Courtney, Missouri, where John first met Kevin EuDaly in September 1982.

We encourage those who knew and loved John to leave their memories of him here.