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Kenneth Lange Obituary
Kenneth "Bud" Lange, 88, a longtime Ames resident, died Thursday, May 29, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A memorial service celebration of Bud's life will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care in Ames, with burial in Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Bud was born May 19, 1920, in Ames, the son of James and Carrie (Springer) Lange. He attended Ames High School. He married Helen C. Frey Nov. 7, 1941, in Southbend, Ind. She preceded him in death in 1985. In 1942, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine Corp and was honorably discharged in 1945. He was a car salesman for Skeie Pontiac for 32 years, where he was awarded top salesman for the Pontiac Iowa Nebraska District for 16 years. He had several hobbies that included fishing trips to Canada, spending winters in Texas with his Iowa friends, playing cards, collecting elephants and music jam sessions. After retirement, he enjoyed transporting cars for the car dealerships in Ames. Everyone who knew him knew he loved to wheel and deal.
He is survived by one son, Dean, of Freeport, Fla.; one daughter, Pat Wendt, of Ames; grandchildren, Jason (Donna) Wendt, of Ankeny, Niki Wendt, of Ames, and Mike (Kelly) Lange, of Des Moines; one great-granddaughter, Jenna Wendt, of Ankeny; two sisters, Esther Kingsbury, of Ames, and Liz Hiserote, of Ames; and his companion for the last seven years, Eva Olson, of Ames.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers, Sam and Everette Lange; and one sister, Katherine Kelly.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mary Greeley Foundation Israel Family Hospice House.
Grandon Funeral and Cremation care is assisting the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Lange
Phyllis Valline-Clark
June 2, 2008
Dear Dean and families
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and grandfather. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Ray and Tassie Davidson
May 31, 2008
Dear Pat and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. Your memories will help you through the days and your love will always be there to strengthen each of you.
Kim Kammerer
May 30, 2008
Pat and Family: I'm so sorry I can't be there in person but know that you will be in my warmest thoughts. May the love of your friends and the best of memories comfort you now and forever.
Mary (Barrow) McFarland
May 30, 2008
When I was 21, I bought a 1974 Firebird from Bud. I am still driving it as a "work car". My Father died this past December and when I was home for visits, somehow, Bud's name always came up. Definitey, he was the most honest salesman in Ames.
The Lange famiy are in my prayers this week.
L.J. SKEIE
May 30, 2008
Condolences to Pat & Family,
Bud was, without doubt, the best auto salesman ever. A good friend, a great employee, and a fine gentleman. Everyone will miss Bud.
L.J and Nan Skeie
Sondi Hill
May 29, 2008
My dear Pat, Dean.. & families.. I have been thinking of Uncle Bud and you all every day since he became ill... and most esp. in the past weeks as you all have given your love and support to him. Treasure your shared memories, your laughter and your tears - hold them close to you in these difficult days of adjustment. Know that he will always be with you... in your thoughts... and your heart... and know he loved YOU like YOU love your kids! Uncle Bud was always a fair and honest family man... I will cherish the fond memories of my childhood when we were able to visit for Christmas family gatherings! He lived life and has been a great father & grandfather. Now I know that Uncle Bud will be doing ALL the dirty dishes in Heaven ...and is at peace! Remember that he is watching over you! ... Thinking of you all and Uncle Bud... sending hugs and our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.. With love, Sondi - - Doug & Becky, Todd & Chris and families
MARILYN Moravetz
May 29, 2008
Dear Pat & Family, My heart is with you all. Bud will be so missed by all. He was such a gentle giant, was always there to help us when needed, and give us advise. We, Kenny & I would always remember the summers up at Clear Lake, and then every Halloween going to the house with David & Jeff and getting our milk, pop, and cookies before the evening was over. Such a very loving, caring man.
Love & Hugs to all, Marilyn
Michael Green
May 29, 2008
Pat and Family; I would have liked to be present, but failing that, Sandra and I pass our condolences. I will be taking care of Mom and Dad this weekend, and I am sure they would wish that I express their deep sorrow and we will talk and share memories and prayers tomorrow.
Mike, Sandy; Joe and Mary Green
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