Loren Lange

Harold Loren Lange, 92,Palmer, died Thursday, August 18, 2016 at the Linn Community Nursing Home. A funeral service was held 10 a.m., Monday, August 22, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Palmer, with Rev. Tom Sahl officiating. Krista Wilgers was the pianist and the congregation sang, "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Just As I Am" and "The Church is One Foundation." Visitation was one hour before the service at the church. Pallbearers were Alan Oehmke, John Lange,Dennis Oehmke, John Hatesohl, Gene Stuenkel and Kent Hatesohl. Burial was in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Palmer. Harold Loren Lange was born December 8, 1923 to Carl and Emma (Fajen) Lange at Palmer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Palmer. He was known as Loren throughout his life. Loren graduated from Linn High School in 1941. He served with the Merchant Marines from 1944 until 1946, hauling military supplies, primarily in the Pacific area. One trip took him around the world, starting from California, to the Philippines, Singapore, India, through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The ship then traveled the Mediterranean through the Rock of Gibraltar, back to New York. Since the war had ended and the demand for such seamen dropped quickly, Loren returned home. The Merchant Marines, at that time, was not considered military, so he was subject to the draft. Loren enlisted in the Army and served nearly two years in the Philippines as a military policeman. Following the war, Loren farmed with his father and worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation. He was a member of the American Legion. His parents and brother, Raymond Lange, preceded him in death. Survivors include nephew, John Lange, New York; and nieces, Linda Metz, Texas and Deborah Lange, Ohio. A memorial fund has been established to the Palmer Café. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Loren Lange, please visit our flower store.