Walter Lange

St. Charles,

Walter Bernard "Walt" Lange, 94, of St. Charles died Tuesday, May 17th at Mayo Clinic Hospitals - St. Mary's Campus Rochester. Walt was born March 26, 1922 in Devil's Lake, North Dakota to Bernard and Hildegard (Walter) Lange. He graduated from Cotter High School in 1940 and went to Chicago to work as a machinist apprentice. In 1944 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for six years aboard the USS ATTU Carrier in the Pacific Islands. He later served in England and France. Walt and Genevieve Garry were married July 19, 1947 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Winona. They made their home in Havre, Montana until moving to St. Charles in 1952. They owned and operated Lange Tire and Repair in St. Charles, where they raised their 11 children. He later went on to work for the Knights of Columbus for 12 years before retiring. In retirement Walt and Gen traveled extensively, including four trips to Ireland, the Holy land and eight trips to Jamaica. He worked hard and enjoyed life to its fullest. Gen died in 2011.

Walt belonged to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, inducted in to the Winona County Fair Hall of Fame in 2011. Walt was an avid woodworker, building and carving many beautiful pieces. He was proud of living to be 94. Walt loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was very involved in their lives.

He is survived by ten children; Gary (Vicky) Lange of Trempealeau, WI, Rich (Lana) Lange of St. Charles, Chris Lange of Rochester, Sue (Jim) Wendt of St. Charles, John Lange of Kasson, David (Koni) Lange of Hastings, Dan (Deb) Lange of St. Charles, Heidi (Charlie) Bartz of Plainview, Mary (Bruce) Kohn of St. Charles and Julie (Dan) Buehler of Altura, 30 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, two brothers Bernard Lange of Texas and Tom Lange of Winona and a sister Dorothea Bonertz of Denver, CO. He was preceded in death by a son Steve in 1973, his wife Gen in 2011 and by two brothers and two grandsons.

A Funeral Mass will be 11a.m. Monday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with the Reverend Kurt Farrell officiating. Cremation will follow with burial in Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call at the church from 3-7 pm Sunday and 10 - 11a.m. Monday. The St. Charles American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War Post will conduct military honors following services at the church. Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will serve as honor guard.

Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Walt at his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available a www.hofffuneral.com.