John Lange

As our Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa left us to be reunited in heaven with Mom and Rich, he leaves us with memories of his loving and giving spirit.  John M Lange, 87, of Platteville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 21, 2017, forever being loved by his family.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am, Monday, January 30, 2017, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville.  Rev. Bart Timmerman along with Deacon Bill Bussan and Deacon Larry Tranel will officiate.  Burial with Military Honors will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville.  Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 pm Sunday at the Melby Funeral Home and Crematory, Platteville where there will be a parish rosary at 2:45 pm.  Friends may also call from 9:30 am until the time of the service on Monday at the church.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com. 

John was born on April 21, 1929, in Jamestown Township, Grant County, the son of Frank and Louise (Kunkel) Lange.  He was united in marriage to Evelyn M. (Digman) Lange on August 5, 1953, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Kieler.  John loved farming and having his children close by.  He always had at least one child with him while farming so it seemed only natural that he and Rich would farm together for years.  When John moved off the farm, his grandson, Ryan, bought his farm to continue the farming legacy on Pleasant Valley Road.  John was an usher at St. Mary's Church for many years, a member of the Catholic Knights, American Legion, K.C. Council, the NFO and Organic Valley Co-op.

John is survived by seven children, Gary (Robert Van Dyke) of Rancho Mirage, CA; Joe (Sandy) Lange of Deerfield, WI; Mary Jane (Kevin) Colopy of Zanesville, OH; Ann (Larry) Miesen of Cuba City, WI; Pat (Dave) Melzer of Elk Grove Village, IL; Joan (Randy) Check of Reedsburg, WI; Cathy (Herb) Yanke of Prairie du Sac, WI; daughter-in-law Patty Lange; twenty grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mary Lange of Dickeyville, WI, Bernita Digman of Hazel Green, WI; Harriet Lindner of Sparta, WI; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Evelyn, his oldest son, Richard, his parents and in-laws, sister Mary Agnes (Ossie) Tranel, brother Eddie Lange, brother and sisters-in-law, Lavern (Leona) Digman, Marcie (Benny) Dietzel, Harold Lindner, and Edwin Digman. 

John enjoyed farming, staying connected on the phone, playing euchre and UNO, and talking about his time in the Army during the Korean Conflict.  John touched many lives and will be missed by many.  Although his home changed a few times over the last few years, wherever he was living was his home for all of us.  And now his home is in heaven and his heart is complete again.  We love you Dad and we are glad we have always been able to build new memories with you.  The family would like to thank all of the medical professionals over the years for the wonderful care for John.