Donald Lee Lange

Donald Lee Lange, 58, of Stevensville, MI passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio due to complications from heart surgery. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, at Grace Lutheran Evangelical Church, 404 E. Glenlord Ave. in St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 9, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Donald was born on April 18, 1951 in Benton Harbor, MI, the son of August and Margaret (McDonel) Lange. He married Barbara Jane Mummaw on July 1, 1978 in Benton Harbor. They had two children David and Katie which were his pride and joy. Don graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1969. He then continued his education at Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelors degree. Later he furthered his education at MSU to earn a Masters in Reading and worked toward a Specialist degree in education. While at MSU he was a member of the honors college and earned his Phi Beta Kappa key for academic excellence. After graduation he was hired as a teacher for Lakeshore Public Schools to teach history, science and geography in the middle school. After 33 years of teaching, Don retired in 2007. While at Lakeshore he was a member of the LEA and was member of the negotiation team for 20 years. He also was an active member in the LEA union holding many offices and worked on many committees. If any one had a question about the contract, Don was the person that people called for advice. Don enjoyed reading, building car and ship models, playing bridge, watching all sports on the television and spending time with his children. Being an avid Michigan State fan, Don loved to watch and attend MSU football games. Don also loved to listen to Barb play her flute and practice the piano and attending any musical event that she was participating in. Don loved to solve the world problems with his best friend Jim. Traveling was an activity that Don enjoyed the most especially the trips that were taken with his family were the most special. Don had a high level of intelligence and knowledge of history with most any subject. Most people found this fascinating and overwhelming. But most of all, Don’s quick wit and warped sense of humor will be greatly missed. He admired, respected and had much admiration for his grandfather, Karl H. McDonel who was vice president of finance for twenty-five years at MSU and has the dorm McDonel Hall named after him. Don always considered grandpa one of his heroes and was very proud of this legacy. Don is survived by his wife, Barb, and his children, David and Katie both of Stevensville. He is also survived by his father, August Lange of St. Joseph, brother, James (Jami) Lange of Stevensville, his in-laws, Donald “Bud” and Aneita Mummaw of Benton Harbor, brother-in-law, Timothy (Vanessa) Mummaw of Stevensville, long time friend, James (Ruth) Pomeroy of Coloma and his nieces and nephews, James Mummaw, Jill Mummaw, Jill Lange and Jason Lange. Don also dearly loved his dog Riley. Don was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret, and grandparents Karl and Irma McDonel. Don has departed to heaven to be in a place that he will have a healthy body. Don will be dearly missed on this earth. He battled his heart and radiation disease with bravery and extreme courage but he is now with the Lord healthy and at peace. His family and friends will forever remember and miss him dearly. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. As expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to the Grace Lutheran Church or Southshore Concert Band.