Sylvia Jean Lange

1942 - 2022

Sylvia Jean Lange, 79, of Fort Madison, died at 9:36 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the OakView Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Burlington.

Sylvia Jean Andersen Lange was born on June 19, 1942, in St. Charles, Ill., and lived in Wayne, Ill. until the age of 5 when her parents moved to a farm in Cloverdale, Ill., and then to Villa Park when Sylvia was a junior in high school. She lived with her parents until she married James F. Lange on June 9, 1962.

She is survived by her husband, James Floyd Lange; a son, Dana (wife Dana) Lange of Denver, CO; two daughters, DeAnne (husband Dave) Bates of Metro Detroit, Mich., and Debb (husband Danny) Pataska of Miles, Iowa; a step-son, James Lemont of Cedar Rapids;, a sister Janice Schlak of El Paso, Texas; and a brother, Bruce Andersen of Sarasota, Fla.. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Julian Jens Andersen and Ione Enola (Hunerjager) Andersen; and an infant son, David Dean Lange.

Sylvia loved people and had a servant's heart. She worked behind the scenes and wanted no glory for what she did. Sylvia always served as secretary to her husband in every church in which he ministered, and helped many people with practical needs along the way. Ladies from several different churches were still calling her nearly forty years later. You might say that people from many places in the world have a special place in their hearts for Sylvia.

When her children were grown she went to work as secretary of the First Baptist Church of Muscatine, IA for 12 years. She also served as Administrative Assistant/Communications Specialist for five years at CEAP, which is non-profit social agency in Brooklyn Park, MN. She also did respite care for two of her granddaughters and loved every minute of it.

Sylvia's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of her life. She loved each one of them dearly and would do anything for them! When asked where she wanted to go on vacation, she always said she wanted to be with her family!

I can see Sylvia now... she has no pain, she can walk, and even run if she wants to. And, if Sylvia could talk to you now, she would ask you if you knew for certain that you are going to heaven when you die. Because that's where she is, and she wants to see each and everyone of you again! If you could see her now you wouldn't ask her to come back-she's with Jesus!

Visitation will be from noon until 7 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 5p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home in Burlington.

The funeral service for Mrs. Lange will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 24, at First Baptist Church, Fort Madison, with Pastor Dean Graber officiating. Burial will be in Claypoole Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the First Baptist Church Family Life Center following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Ill.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A video tribute can be viewed, and condolences can be sent by visiting Sylvia's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.