Donald Lange

Donald Arthur Lange, age 84, passed away Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Good Samaritan Village - Woodland, in Brainerd, MN. He was born June 23, 1927 on the family farm, south of Pipestone, MN to Henry Herman and Alvina Marie (Ludolph) Lange, the eleventh of thirteen children.

On November 9, 1947, to obtain a job, he decided to enlist in the US Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, CA in the Air Transport Squadron and in Seattle, WA. He was honorably discharged April 21, 1950 earning the Asiatic Pacific, American Area, and Victory Medals of WWII. On October 16, 1950 he entered into active service as an Aviation Machinist Mate Airman assigned to the U.S.S. Essex (CVA 9) stationed in Kodiak, AK and the Navel Station in Adak, AK Patrol Squadron 2 at Whidbey Island, WA, and also in the Korean campaign. There he was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbon, and the United Nations Service Ribbon. He was discharged September 10, 1954 and moved to Brainerd, MN. Don was proud to serve his country.

While in Alaska, he met Air Force Staff Sargeant Harold Disrud who introduced him to the love of his life, Deloris May Disrud. On December 19, 1954, Don and Deloris were married at Trinity Lutheran Church on Oak Street in Brainerd, MN where they have been members. Raising their family in Brainerd, Don would sometimes work more than one job to make ends meet and Deloris had her hands full taking care of 4 children. He worked as a Meadow Gold Milk Driver and later at the MN D.O.T. Highway department which he later retired.

Don loved bowling, dancing, watching sports, clowning around, and having a good time with friends and family.

Survivors include: His wife Deloris; four children, David (Jo) Lange, of Brainerd, MN Mark (Carlene) Lange, of Pillager, MN, Lyle Lange, of Madison, WI, and Diane (Kevin) Dehning, of Crosby; seven grandchildren, Jenni, Rob, Christopher, Amanda, Shawn, Mikayla, and Alesha; sisters, Florence (Lange) Hanson and Dorothy (Lange) Burckhardt; brother, Clarence Lange; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Wayne; sisters, Adeline (Lange) Hardies, Laura (Lange) Groos, Edna (Lange) Heiges, and Violet (Lange) Jetter; and brothers, Victor Lange, William Lange, Edward Lange, Elmer Lange, and Dale Lange.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church 1420 South 6th Street - Brainerd. There will be a visitation Monday evening from 5-7 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Interment with Military Honors provided by the American Legion, Post 255 Color Guard will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.