Douglas Ray Lange was born Feb. 3, 1951, in Lincoln, to Virgil and Bernice (Schulz) Lange and passed away Aug. 31, 2026, in David City, at the age of 75 years, 6 months and 28 days.
Doug grew up on the family farm south of Malcolm. He attended Malcolm High School and graduated with the Class of 1969. Following high school, Doug proudly served as an SSGT in the Air National Guard for 13 years. On July 11, 1975, Doug was united in marriage to Debra Miller in Hebron. To this union, one son, Todd Lange, was born.
Throughout his working years, Doug was employed at Woodmen Accident and Life and Sheridan Lutheran Church. He also worked for Malcolm Public Schools, where he drove a school bus for children with disabilities. When Deb’s health began to decline, Doug retired to devote his time to caring for her. He remained her loving and dedicated caretaker until her passing in November 2018. In recent years, Doug also cared for his mother, Bernice.
Doug always kept busy, whether working on the farm or fixing something that needed his attention. He was a dedicated Little League baseball coach for 18 years and enjoyed the many years he spent teaching and encouraging young players. In his free time, Doug loved gardening, enjoyed watching Gunsmoke, eating Runza, and drinking Cherry Pepsi and Dr Pepper.
Above all, his greatest joy was his family. His four granddaughters were his pride and joy, and he treasured every moment he was able to spend with them.
Doug was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Malcolm, where he faithfully served as a trustee. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, the twinkle in his eye, and his joking manner with everyone he met. Doug never knew a stranger and truly enjoyed visiting with friends and family. His warm personality and sense of humor brought joy to those around him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil E. Lange; wife, Debra E. Lange; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vicki and Rich Ducharme; and parents-in-law, Dean and Allyne Miller.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his son, Todd Lange and girlfriend Leanna Sayers, Ulysses; mother, Bernice Lange, Lincoln; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Roger Schmersal; granddaughters, Kaycee, Kinzie, Katelyn and Kassidy Lange, brother-in-law, Rod and Jean Miller, Dundas, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Tes and Jon Cline, Spring Hill, Florida; three nieces, numerous cousins and a host of friends.
Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 7, from 1 – 8 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 6 – 8 p.m. The funeral service will be Tuesday, Sept. 8, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Malcolm at 10 a.m. with interment at the church cemetery.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
