Donald Lange

Donald A. Lange, 89, Baldwin, died January 29, 2008 at the Baptist Home. Services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 2, 2008 at First Presbyterian Church, Wilton with the Rev. Paul Schauer officiating assisted by the Rev. Cathy Bliss. Burial will be held at Riverview Cemetery, Wilton. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm Friday, February 1, 2008 at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church. Donald was born March 16, 1918, in Chapin near Wilton, ND, the son of Alvin and Agnes Brown Lange. He grew up on a truck garden farm located next to the Missouri River in Painted Woods Township in Burleigh County. He attended rural schools in Painted Woods and Glenview Townships. Donald married Myra Louella Moses of rural Wing on November 15, 1941, at the Presbyterian Manse in Bismarck, ND. Donald enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 and served four years during World War II in South America, the Panama Canal Zone and Texas. Following his discharge, he returned to the family home near Baldwin and built the family's first home and barn with cottonwood lumber he cut on the family saw mill, and began farming. In the early 1950s Donald attended V.A. School, studying agriculture. In 1956 Donald attended meat-cutting school in Toledo, OH. He and Louella then operated the Wilton Meat Market/grocery store for one year. Upon returning to his farm, he continued to butcher and process meat for surrounding neighbors and friends. In 1974 Donald went to work at St. Alexius Medical Center and retired in 1984. He loved his work at St. Alexius and made many lasting friendships. Donald was a member of the Wilton American Legion, Senior Center and First Presbyterian Church. He served as a representative of the Burleigh County Senior Adult's Program. In past years, Donald was a member of the Farmers Union and served on the Township School Board. Donald enjoyed gardening, hunting, watching wildlife, picking juneberries, playing cards, having coffee with his family and friends, drawing and photography. He took great pride in his photography, particularly his photos of beautiful scenic sites located along the Missouri River on his farm. Donald's expertise in trapping pocket gophers earned for him a reputation as an expert, and his assistance was often solicited by the surrounding neighbors, in ridding gophers on their farms. Donald was a kind, patient man, honest and hard-working, always willing to lend a hand when it was needed. Donald always enjoyed a good laugh, loved telling stories and delighted in playing practical jokes. One of his greatest enjoyments was the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In recent months, he enjoyed "hanging-out"with his sister, Frances Welch, at the Baptist Home. Donald enjoyed participating in activities and socializing with the staff and residents, and was known as "Smiley" at the Home. Donald is survived by his wife of 66 years, Louella of Baldwin, ND; one son, Bruce Nancy Lange of Baldwin, ND; two daughters, Carlene Marvin Dockter of Baldwin, ND and Ardyth Dominic Volesky of Bismarck, ND; six grandchildren, Carmen Jack Biesterfeld of Steele, ND; Laura Alan Toman of Bismarck, ND; Donald E. Lange of Bismarck, ND; Dallas Kirsten Dockter of Valley City, ND; Keith Alesha Dockter of Bismarck, ND and Karli Jason Soule of Wichita, KS; eight great-grandchildren, Nicole and Ty Biesterfeld, Emily Toman, Molly and Maggie Dockter and Haley, Abby and Olivia Soule; one brother, Paul Lois Lange of Wilton, ND; four sisters, Frances Welch of Bismarck, ND; Martha Erstrom of Resaca, GA; Dorothy Phillips of Reedsport, OR and Mildred Pitkin of Callaway, NE and two sisters-in-law, Maizie Lange of Baldwin, ND and Norma Lange of Lexington, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, including his twin brother, Ronald; and Albert, Leonard and Ernest. The family prefers memorials to the First Presbyterian Church, 401 Dakota Avenue, Wilton, ND 58579 or the Baptist Home, 1100 Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501.

Donald Lange

March 16, 1918 - January 29, 2008