Ralph J. Lange

Ralph J. Lange, 83 year old resident of Upsala, MN passed away Friday, January 23, 2015 at the St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala, MN with Father John Odero officiating. Burial was at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery in Upsala, MN. Military Rites were conducted by the Upsala American Legion Post #350.
Ralph John Lange was born on August 14, 1931 to Benjamin and Mary (Kremer) Lange in St. Francis, MN. He went to a country school and helped farm until he joined the Air Force and served his country as a jet mechanic during the Korean War. Ralph was united in marriage to Audrey Stenholm on April 24, 1954 in St. Francis, MN. They lived in Maine until Ralph was discharged from the Air Force. The couple moved to Crystal, MN where Ralph worked as a truck driver until 1970 when they moved back to Upsala, MN. He worked as a truck driver for the same company for a total of 35 years until he retired in 1988. Ralph was a member of American Legion Post #350. He also was a member of St. Mary’s parish in Upsala, MN where he was a member of the choir. In Spring of 2013, Ralph moved into St. Otto’s Care Center where Audrey joined him a few months later. He enjoyed playing cards, going for his walks around town, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Mary Lange; 2 infant sons, Ricky John and Jeffrey David; brothers, Thomas Lange, Elmer Lange and Art Lange; 2 sisters, Evelyn (Lange) Munson and Delores (Lange) Harren.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of over 60 years, Audrey of Little Falls; sons, Gregory of Sauk Rapids, and Brian (Elizabeth) of Upsala; grandchildren, Brianna Lange of St. Cloud, Jessica Lange of Upsala and one great-grandson; and sister, Evangaline (Lange) Janey of Little Falls.
Pallbearers will be Duane Harren, Dan Harren, Kevin Janey, Kelley Baggenstoss, Marvin Schumer and Tim Peterson.