Donald J. Lange

Donald J. Lange, 102, of Devils Lake passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 in Eventide Heartland Care Center. 

Donald was born on June 6, 1922 to Henry J. and Pauline (Minette) Lange. He was raised on the family farm east of Webster, ND which was homesteaded by his grandfather John Lange. He attended Morris #2 country school and graduated from Webster High School in May of 1940.

After working briefly in California, Donald returned to North Dakota to enlist in the Signal Corps and attended radio school in Grand Forks under the Army Specialized Training Program. In WWII he served in the 152nd Armored Signal Company in the wire section and was attached to the 12th Armored Division Army occupation in the European Theatre. There he supervised a team of men laying and maintaining wire service for telephone and telegraph systems. He was discharged as a Sargeant on February 6, 1946.

On July 10, 1946 Donald and Mary (Blessum) were united in Holy Matrimony at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND. They made their life on the family farm and raised nine children.

In addition to farming and raising their family Donald was active on many community boards: Morris Township Clerk (1946-1966), Toastmasters (1965-1968) where he made several contest talks, Lake Region Junior College Trustee (1967-1976), State Farmer’s Union Vice President (1968-1972), Farmer’s Union Oil Co. Board Member (1967-1988) and the State Board of Vocational Education (1970-1981). Donald and his wife, Mary, were Associates of the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation, signing their covenant in 1988. In June of 1993 Donald joined the Odd Fellows. Many people in Devils Lake will remember him as the pancake dinner ticket peddler, some people buying tickets even though they didn’t like pancakes!

Donald and Mary enjoyed travelling, gardening and living on the farm through their retirement. They volunteered with Meals on Wheels for many years. Not only did they deliver meals, often accompanied by grandchildren, they brought joy and blessings to the people they served. Donald especially enjoyed working with wood and tried his hand at everything from bag dryers to picture frames to bookcases. He is especially known for his small tables and chairs. He will be fondly remembered for his many projects that adorn the homes of most family members and several friends. After Mary’s passing Donald moved to Eventide Court #3 where he enjoyed visiting with many familiar folks. The last year of his life he was cared for by the wonderful staff at Eventide Heartland Care Center. 

Donald is survived by his nine children, Thomas (Gail) Lange, Fredericksburg, VA; Stephanie (Pat) Scott, Bismarck, ND; Daniel (Jane) Lange, Gibson City, IL; Barbara Christianson, Boise ID; Arthur (Lori) Lange, Astatula, FL; Mary Rubi, Chandler, AZ; Sister Elaine Lange, Valley City, ND; Andrew Lange; Webster, ND and John (Jodi) Lange, Webster, ND. He is also survived by his brother Gerald (Alice) Lange, Sioux Falls, SD, sisters-in-law Marge (Henry) Lange, Devils Lake and Anne MacIntyre (Duane) Lange, Helena, MT and half-sisters Joan Adkins, Colorado Springs, CO and Judy (Joseph) Kaluzny, Lakeland, FL. Donald and Mary were blessed with 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild all of whom survive him. 

Donald is preceded in death by his parents Henry J. and Pauline, his wife Mary, brothers Edmund, Lawrence (Lindy), Norbert (Marge), Ralph (Margie), John (Anita), Henry, and Duane and his sister Mary Margaret (Ray) Hubbuch. 

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. led by Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Bernard Pfau celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, rural Webster, ND with Military Honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team-Army following lunch at the Parish Center.