Service Information
Judith “Judi” Lange, age 74, of Hector, Minnesota, passed away Friday, November 23, 2018, at the Renville County Hospital, Olivia Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church, Hector, Minnesota, with interment at a later date in the Hector City Cemetery, Hector.
Gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. - 11:00A.M., one hour prior to the service at the United Methodist Church, Hector.
Obituary
Judith Ann Lange was born May 27, 1944, in Olivia, Minnesota, the daughter of Theodore and Meriam (Ahl) Lange. She was baptized as an infant in the Methodist Church in Hector, and was confirmed in her faith there as a youth. Judi grew up in Hector, and graduated from the Hector High School with the Class of 1962. She continued her education at Mankato State University where she earned her BS Degree in Elementary Education.
Judi began her teaching career in Benson, Minnesota, where she taught for two years. She then moved to the Naval Base in Adak, Alaska, and taught on the Base for three years. She returned home in 1972 as a 3rd grade teacher in the Hector Public School, and taught fulltime in the Hector / BLH / BLHS School system for 32 years. She retired from full-time teaching in 2004, but continued as a substitute until her illness in 2018. Through many of those years, Judi was actively involved with the Girls Golf program.
Judi was a lifelong member of the Hector United Methodist Church. She was actively involved with the United Methodist Women and all church events. She and her Sister-in-law, Carol Lange, decorated the church for each season and the holidays. This included putting up the 15-foot Christmas tree in the church sanctuary each year with Nephew Jason Lange’s help. Judi loved the Christmas season. She enjoyed celebrating the Swedish Christmas Eve customs, including the noon meal “Duppa” that her Grandma Ahl started many decades ago. Her mother, Meriam, continued in her footsteps, and currently Carol hosts this tradition.
Judi was a charter member of the Lioness organization in Hector, and was still actively involved. She loved being a part of the annual Omelette Breakfast and the Fry Bread during Corn Chaff Days. A supporter of community activities, she also helped organize the 135th All School Reunion in 2013.
Judi was an artist. She was a gifted painter who shared her works with family and friends, and through the years would also take part in craft fairs where she could sell her pieces. Her specialty was painting birds and butterflies, freehand from memory. She also painted them on delicate bird feathers.
A prankster with a great sense of humor who loved to laugh, Judi loved visiting with people. She was active through the years bowling and golfing at Oakdale. She loved to shop, travel, and spend time with family and friends. There was never a dull moment, and always laughter.
Judi faced many health concerns through the years, but her end came very quickly. While surrounded by her family, she peacefully passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018, at the RC Hospital and Clinics in Olivia. She had reached the age of 74 years, 5 months, 26 days. Blessed be her memory.
Judi is survived by her:
Sister-in-law, Carol Ann Lange of Hector;
Nephew, Jason Lange of Hector;
Close Cousins: Peg Markgraf and husband Steve of Watertown, and Syl Block of Hutchinson;
Special Friends: Jan Squibb of Hector, Eileen Kirtz of Hector, and Sandy Hughes of Hector;
Friend, Mike;
other relatives, and many friends.
Judi was preceded in death by her Parents, Ted and Meriam Lange, Brother Robert Lange, Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles.
Beth Burgstahler says
Deepest sympathies on the loss of Judy. I loved golfing with her and Jan in the scramble competitions years ago. Always lots of laughs.
Joan Doering says
Dear carol & Jason so sorry for your loss. GODS Blessing to you both.
Love Joan.
JOAN DOERING says
Dear carol and Jason so sorry for your loss, Gods Blessing to you both,
Joan Doering
Betty Olson-Jones says
So very sorry to hear this. Lots of fond memories of Judy — most recently saw her at Elaine’s funeral in August. My deepest sympathies.
Ken Blake says
A very dear friend. One I tried to contact when I would come back home to Hector. She will be greatly missed.
Sarah Robinson says
My heart felt condolences on a significant loss. Every time I see a rainbow, I think of her love of our third grade class room and her love of rainbows. She will always be remembered as one of my favorite teachers!
Much Peace & Love
Corinne Hable says
Our sympathy to the family of Judi Lange. We shared a life-long friendship, growing up together in school. She will be missed in the community!
Jana Hauer Thorson says
I am sorry to hear this. I am Jerry and Ardis Hauer’s youngest child and I remember visiting Judy and family. The stories told were priceless. They will all be celebrating together in heaven. Doesn’t really help those missing her on earth. Prayers for you all.
Jazmyne Suess says
She was one of the best substitute I have ever had. Deepest of sympathy’s to her family!
Kelly Miller says
I am sorry for your loss I can remember she like to joke with me. I am sorry for your loss
Bill Olson says
My sympathy to the the Lange family she will be missed Judi & I go back to grade school together in Hector. Bill Olson
Paula Kirkpatrick says
We are so sorry to hear this. Judi was our daughter’s third grade teacher, and so special to her. She was also our treasured next door neighbor. We had wonderful conversations over the years, and appreciated all the kindnesses she shared with us. She will be so missed. Our prayers are with her family.
Kathy Uecker says
My sympathy to Judi’s family. She will be missed .
Ken nicolai says
Judi will be missed, we car pooled to MSU from Hector for 4 years. She always was the talk of the trip and kept us awake.
Ken Nicolai
Fran Piehl says
So sorry to hear of Judy’s sudden illness and death. I always enjoyed visiting with Judy whenever
I came back to Hector ……….remember playing cards at Donna’s……she will be missed.
Cindy (Carlson) Sandahl says
I taught kindergarten in Hector from 1980 to 1984, my first four years as an elementary teacher. I remember Judi as an interesting, dedicated teacher, who was a lot of fun. I have a small painting she created as a Christmas gift for me when she had my name for our school Secret Santa exchange. I always think of her each holiday season when I put it up. Now it will have an even greater significance. My sympathy to all her family and friends.
Eileen Koeberl says
So sorry to hear of Judy’s death. What a wonderful teacher she was. She will be missed by all.
Karen Butler Alwin says
Growing up in Hector, I remember Judi as being a cheerful, fun-loving, and generous person. She would greet you with a smile, be ready to see the light humor in something, and contribute on many school committees. While attending events in Hector through the years, she seemed to be an ever-present volunteer. I always enjoyed Judi and her sense of humor.
Blessings to Judi and my sympathy to her family.
Lori says
Judi was a very dear friend to so many. Her and I spent a few days painting together in my shop. She was so fun to listen to, and share things with etc. She will be so missed!
Maggie Sandeen says
Carol and Jason,
I was very saddened to hear about Judi passing. Like everyone else, I remember the fun-loving, bubbly personality not only as teacher, but also as a neighbor. Sending my deepest sympathy.
Maggie
Kent Smart says
I met Judi on the island of Adak, Alaska along with her friend Barbara Brown. They were both elementary school teachers. I was a Navy Seabee and and very much enjoyed the company of non-military friends while being stationed there. Reminiscing of our hometowns and customs was a favorite pastime. Condolences to family and close friends.
LuAnn Schulte says
She was such a sweet teacher, prayers for the family.
Tim Degner says
Thank you Miss Lange, for seeing a little artist in this once-third-grader. You made my cursive better, helped develop creativity nobody else recognized, and were hard on me. Our student-teacher relationship was nails on chalkboard, and I wish you were here now to hear what it meant to me. I’ll have to settle for our little conversation at Alvie’s wake.
I love my third grade teacher. Instead of resting in peace, I hope you continue to create, among broad horizons and open-minded curiosity.