Bernard Charles Lange's Obituary
Bernard Charles Lange, age 83, passed away peacefully at home on November 7, 2024. Bernie
was born in Big Rapids, Michigan on November 1, 1941, to parents Paul and Gertrude Lange.
He grew up on a farm in rural Rodney, Michigan. Bernie attended school in Chippewa Lake, MI.
When he started school, Bernie could only speak and understand German. He learned to
speak English in school, then helped his parents to become fluent in English, as he would only
respond to them in English.
At age 27, Bernie purchased property with an old sawmill in Rodney. He repaired the sawmill,
cut trees from his property, hauled every tree with an old John Deere tractor, and cut every
board for his house, which he built with his own two hands. This is where he raised his four
children, and where he spent his last moments of life. Bernie was a lifelong parishioner of St.
Michael’s Church in Remus, MI, where he raised his family to be good Christians.
Bernie was an extremely intelligent and talented man. If he needed something on the farm that
was not available, he would build it himself. Bernie could fix anything. He said, “If I can’t fix it,
it’s broke.” Bernie was in the oil construction business. He was a very accomplished Welder,
Superintendent, and Project Manager for facilities all over Michigan and throughout the United
States.
Bernie loved nature and everything about nature. He spent most of his time outdoors. He
enjoyed hunting and fishing. He hunted and fished all over the US and Canada. Bernie
enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Germany where his parents grew up.
Bernie loved food and was an exceptional cook. Every Fall, he would make a crock full of
sauerkraut. He loved making apple cider. Hot German potato salad, red cabbage and venison
rouladen was one of his favorite meals.
Bernie is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Gertrude Lange, his brother Ludwig Lange,
and his grandson David Lange.
Bernie is survived by his lovely companion Judy Schoenborn. He is also survived by the mother
of his children, Judy (Elliott) Sika, his three sons, Christopher, Jeffrey (Pam), and Michael
(Rachel), and his daughter Traci (Jaime) Lawson; Grandsons, Brandon, Travis, Kevin, Joshua,
Tyler, and Trevor; and granddaughters Nichole, Amanda, Ashley, and Catie. Bernie is also
survived by nine great grandchildren.
A funeral service will take place on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 11AM at St. Michael
Catholic Church with Father Tom Boufford as celebrant. A visitation will be held on Wednesday,
November 13, 2024, at Janowicz Family Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, as well as
one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asked to have donations
directed to St. Michael School Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the church.
What’s your fondest memory of Bernard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernard?
Share a story where Bernard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernard you’ll never forget.
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