Russell Lange
June 18, 1932 — October 30, 2017
Russell Howard Lange, son of Andrew C. and Helga (Leistad) Lange was born June 18, 1932 at his parents’ farm home in rural Audubon County, Iowa, and died October 30, 2017 at Southfield Wellness Community, Webster City, Iowa at the age of 85 years.
Russell was baptized and confirmed at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church in Elk Horn, Iowa. He attended rural Audubon County schools and shared many stories with his children and grandchildren about his days in country school.
On October 19, 1949, he was united in marriage to Joan (Ferry) Lange in Hiawatha, Kansas. To this union, three children were born Timothy, Bruce, and Lori. Russ and Joan celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary with their children, staff, and chaplains while Russ was hospitalized.
Russell farmed for many years before an injury forced him to quit. After that time, Russ and Joan owned and operated Lange’s Locker and Grocery in Elk Horn for several years. Russ and Joan also worked road construction with Western Engineering for many years before retiring.
Russell was a firefighter in both Kirkman and Elk Horn. He served as president of the Better Elk Horn Club, and also served on the church board. Russell was instrumental in getting the pool in Elk Horn and also a part of establishing the Danish Inn. He was involved with many other various projects throughout the community.
Russell enjoyed his life to the fullest and could be found sharing a story or telling a joke. He enjoyed telling his grandchildren about life growing up on the farm while working with horses, one of his favorites. He also enjoyed taking friends, children, and grandchildren ice fishing. But one of his most favorite things was when he and Joan spent time with their grandchildren. Whether it was a basketball or football game, cattle show or rabbit show, he was there supporting them all! He was an avid Hawkeye fan and life-long Cubs fan. It was the thrill of his lifetime when he finally got to see his beloved Cubs win the World Series.
Preceding Russell in death are his parents; sisters Norma Nelson, Vera and husband Elvin Holtz; brothers Jack and wife Helga Lange, Mark Lange; and son-in-law BJ Thomas.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Joan Lange; his children Timothy and Patricia Lange, Sibley, Iowa; Bruce and Darcia Lange, Promise City, Iowa;and Lori Thomas, Fort Dodge, Iowa. His grandchildren Cory and Karen Lange, Bogart, GA; Brett and Rani Lange, Leawood, KS; Lance and Bethany Lange, Promise City, IA; Daniel and April Lange, Royalton, MN; Jennifer and Christopher Runge, Sibley, IA; Elizabeth and Andy Sims, Little Rock, AK; Christian and Kimberly Lange, Sibley, IA; Chad and Courtney Maas, Wayne, NE; Kyle and April Maas, Duncombe, IA; great-grandchildren Ashlyn and Tyler Lange; Hannah and Ethan Lange; Tanner Lange; Zoey Lange; Madeline and Jackson Lange; Emily and Tori Runge; Raegan, Grant, and Grady Maas; Brynlee, Brecken, and Brenna Maas; two step grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; and three step great-great grandchildren. ALL BECAUSE TWO PEOPLE FELL IN LOVE!
Russell is also survived by sister Carolyn and husband Joe Mason, White Lake, MI; brother-in-law Richard Nelson, Elk Horn, IA; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Russell was baptized and confirmed at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church in Elk Horn, Iowa. He attended rural Audubon County schools and shared many stories with his children and grandchildren about his days in country school.
On October 19, 1949, he was united in marriage to Joan (Ferry) Lange in Hiawatha, Kansas. To this union, three children were born Timothy, Bruce, and Lori. Russ and Joan celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary with their children, staff, and chaplains while Russ was hospitalized.
Russell farmed for many years before an injury forced him to quit. After that time, Russ and Joan owned and operated Lange’s Locker and Grocery in Elk Horn for several years. Russ and Joan also worked road construction with Western Engineering for many years before retiring.
Russell was a firefighter in both Kirkman and Elk Horn. He served as president of the Better Elk Horn Club, and also served on the church board. Russell was instrumental in getting the pool in Elk Horn and also a part of establishing the Danish Inn. He was involved with many other various projects throughout the community.
Russell enjoyed his life to the fullest and could be found sharing a story or telling a joke. He enjoyed telling his grandchildren about life growing up on the farm while working with horses, one of his favorites. He also enjoyed taking friends, children, and grandchildren ice fishing. But one of his most favorite things was when he and Joan spent time with their grandchildren. Whether it was a basketball or football game, cattle show or rabbit show, he was there supporting them all! He was an avid Hawkeye fan and life-long Cubs fan. It was the thrill of his lifetime when he finally got to see his beloved Cubs win the World Series.
Preceding Russell in death are his parents; sisters Norma Nelson, Vera and husband Elvin Holtz; brothers Jack and wife Helga Lange, Mark Lange; and son-in-law BJ Thomas.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Joan Lange; his children Timothy and Patricia Lange, Sibley, Iowa; Bruce and Darcia Lange, Promise City, Iowa;and Lori Thomas, Fort Dodge, Iowa. His grandchildren Cory and Karen Lange, Bogart, GA; Brett and Rani Lange, Leawood, KS; Lance and Bethany Lange, Promise City, IA; Daniel and April Lange, Royalton, MN; Jennifer and Christopher Runge, Sibley, IA; Elizabeth and Andy Sims, Little Rock, AK; Christian and Kimberly Lange, Sibley, IA; Chad and Courtney Maas, Wayne, NE; Kyle and April Maas, Duncombe, IA; great-grandchildren Ashlyn and Tyler Lange; Hannah and Ethan Lange; Tanner Lange; Zoey Lange; Madeline and Jackson Lange; Emily and Tori Runge; Raegan, Grant, and Grady Maas; Brynlee, Brecken, and Brenna Maas; two step grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; and three step great-great grandchildren. ALL BECAUSE TWO PEOPLE FELL IN LOVE!
Russell is also survived by sister Carolyn and husband Joe Mason, White Lake, MI; brother-in-law Richard Nelson, Elk Horn, IA; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Russell Lange, please visit our flower store.