James R. Lange

He was preceded in death by mother, Marilyn.

Survived by wife of 47 years, Joanie (Wegner) Lange; daughter, Jodi Lange; son, Dan (Anneliese) Lange; grandsons, Otto and Oliver Lange; father, Richard Lange; sister, Barb (Ward) Maser; brothers, Mike Lange and Craig (Shelly) Lange; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 16 at Peace Lutheran Church, 1744 Walnut St, Lauderdale at 11am, with visitation starting at 9:30am.

A special thank you to Mary, Lisa, and Lori from HealthPartners Hospice, Bret Haake, MD, and the truly caring staff of St. Therese Hospice in Shoreview, MN.

Jim worked for 36 years in the shipping area of former West Publishing. Jim loved life, his family, friends, and being out in nature, especially fishing. Memorials can be made to Peace Lutheran Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Funeral Chapel, Minneapolis, MN.

EULOGY

Jim was born March 24,1950 in Riverview Hospital on the West side of St. Paul to Richard Lange and Marilyn Wynacht. Jim has two younger brothers, Mike and Craig and a younger sister, Barb. Jim told of the happy times he had playing with neighborhood kids. He attended Sibley High School where he excelled in track, football and played/coached Community hockey.

Jim loved music. At the age of 10, his maternal grandparents purchased his first guitar and took him to South St. Paul each week for lessons.

Jim and Joanie met at the St. Paul College where Jim studied cabinet making. His friend, Joe had asked Joanie to the 1968 Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Dance. It was decided that Joanie would bring her friend Karen and Joe would bring his friend Jim …and they would have a blind date. After that dance, Jim started dating Joanie. Their first date was at Tunnuci’s in Newport, and Tunnuci’s will be catering the celebration lunch today. They became engaged in April of 1969 and married in June of 1970. They added to their family when Jodi Marie was born in August of 1972 and Daniel James in October of 1975

Jim worked in the bindery and shipping areas of the former West Publishing for 36 years. Jim loved life, his family and friends, and loved being out in Nature…..especially fishing.

Jim and Joanie were more interested in acquiring experiences instead of material things. In the early marriage years their vehicle was usually a hand-me down or purchased off the car lot. They were content in their little bungalow in Lauderdale for 35 years. They were able to take several memorable trips including several cruises (and in 2010 a cruise with Joan’s siblings) and trips around the Country with their “groupie” friends to follow the Native American bands Brule’ and Arvel Bird.

Jim served as a money counter and usher and was in the choir at Peace Lutheran. He loved helping with the Christmas in August project which helps Lauderdale neighbors with various home projects, but in recent years hasn’t felt well enough to participate.

In January 2007, we moved into Applewood Pointe of New Brighton. In the early years of the Co-op, Jim was chairman of the Property Committee. and assisted in getting a nightly security check system in place.

We will remember your smile Jim and how you were always willing to listen to friends who had troubles and comfort them with one of your hugs.

We know you are already busy working in the Spirit World. Farewell until we all meet again.