Ian Lange

1940 - 2025

Ian M. Lange, retired University of Montana economic geology professor and professional geologist died September 25, 2025, at The Village Health and Rehabilitation in Missoula, Montana, after a valiant three year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He was 85.

Born in New York City, September 11,1940, to Dorothea Eileen Lange and William Lange, Jr., Ian grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, with his brothers Gordon William Lange and Gary Charles Lange. A talented runner throughout his life, Ian competed in track meets at an early age and always enjoyed fishing and camping with his family- along with collecting rocks. He made his first silent movie with high school buddies centered around driving his father's classic Model-T- Ford. It was that experience which ignited his interest in antique cars, a hobby he engaged in throughout his life. Ian also enjoyed music of every genre, but especially jazz and classical music; he never missed a Missoula symphony concert.

Ian received his B.A and M.A. degrees fromDartmouth College and his Ph.D. from the University of Washington. He would later become a visiting professor at Dartmouth. Ian met his wife, Jo-Ann Thome, in Fresno, California, where he had his first academic appointment as an assistant professor. When the University of Montana invited Ian to join the geology faculty, both Jo-Ann and Ian decided it was a marvelous opportunity to explore the Rocky Mountain west, a place known for its beauty and its interesting geological formations. Missoula was the type of community where Jo-Ann could also begin her own teaching career.

For 25 years Ian Lange was a productive researcher, publishing over 100 scientific publications (many of which were featured in peer reviewed journals), as well as two books, titled: ICE AGE MAMMALS of North America- A guide to the Big, the Hairy and the Bizarre, and VOLCANOES, WHAT'S HOT & WHAT'S NOT on Earth and in Our Solar System. A third book was in the pipeline. Lange's work in Canada and Alaska served as an impetus for many of his scientific articles. He served the geology department in many capacities, chairing doctoral theses and master's theses and even serving as chair of the department. In addition, he served as a Faculty Research Affiliate with the Alaskan branch of the U.S. Geological Survey. Always active professionally, Ian presented papers at professional organizations such as: The Geological Society of America, the Northwest Mining Association, and Magma, an organization for diverse geological professionals. He consulted with government agencies and multinational companies throughout the world. Ian was a collaborator and enjoyed working with his colleagues and his students, but what he enjoyed most of all, was teaching. His classes were always full because he made geology so accessible. And his students enjoyed his droll wit and infectious laughter.

After retiring, Ian and Jo-Ann traveled the world; an African safari was a highlight of the Lange's adventures because of Ian's love for animals. While in Tanzania, he decided to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and was proud to declare he was the oldest man on the mountain that day-at age 70. For many years Lange continued his investigations of volcanoes on several continents. Summers found him on LOPEZ ISLAND, Wa where he lectured, ran road races, and gardened. Winters were enjoyed in Oaxaca, Mexico, where he lectured, volunteered his time with "The Street Children of Oaxaca," and "The Learning Center." When Ian went on his daily walks, wherever he was, he had his pockets crammed full of doggie biscuits which he would distribute along his path.

Ian Lange will be sorely missed by his loving family who survive him: his wife, Jo-Ann Lange of Missoula and Lopez Island, WA, sister-in-law, Sally Lange of Hawaii, brother-in-law, Jerry Thome (Denise) of California, nieces: Laura Anastos (Ernie) of South Carolina, Karyn Hooper, Connecticut, Susanne Hancock (Davie) WA, Kelly Abbott (Travis) WA, and nephews: Ian Charles Lange (Lisa), Hawaii, Erik Lange (Stacy) California, Christopher Lange (Liz) WA and many wonderful grand nieces and grandnephews.

The Lange family is grateful to the staff at the Village Health Care and Rehabilitation in Missoula, Mt, for the care they provided and for all the other caregivers, doctors, and nurses who helped Ian during his uphill battle with health issues these last years. We are also grateful to Josh Hooper, a grand nephew, who was a major caregiver for Ian his last summer on Lopez Island..

There will be a celebration of Ian's life in the Spring of 2026.

Anyone wishing to send a contribution in memory of Ian M. Lange may consider an organization which promotes saving the animals of Africa, an organization for promoting democracy and world peace.