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John LORANG Obituary

February 28, 1952 - July 20, 2024

Lyons - John was born in Spokane, Washington. He was the fourth oldest of 10 children. He passed away of a sudden cardiac arrest in Lyons, Colorado, while doing what he loved: hiking in the Rocky Mountains with his beloved wife and friends.

John attended St. John Vianney Grade School, graduated from University High School, and earned a degree in biology from Washington State University. He went on to teach at North Pines Junior High School in Spokane Valley and earned a master's degree in computer science education. After teaching middle schoolers math, science, and computers for 19 years, he spent the rest of his career as an Education Union Consultant in Spokane, Washington, Sandy, Utah, and Eugene, Oregon.

John loved the outdoors and enjoyed many outings with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, filling his bucket list with many international locations and national parks. He was a varsity wrestler in high school, an Eagle Scout and a lifeguard. He loved music, spending many hours playing his guitar and singing, alone and with family and friends. He also loved spending time with his numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and step-grandchildren.

John was preceded in passing by his parents, Glenn and Dorothy (Coleman) Lorang; and two older brothers, Mike and Pat (Barbara). He is survived by his wife, Desiree Larson; sister-in-law, Barbara; five brothers, Dave (Bonnie), Steve, Mark (Cheryl), Dennis, and Nicholas; and two sisters, Mary (Gary Dobson) and Teresa (Jim Davison); stepchildren, Galen (Laura Sinclair) O'Neil, Dustin (Matt Wager) O'Neil, Shane (Celie) O'Neil-Hart; step-grandchildren, Clara and Jasper Sinclair-O'Neil; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

A private "Celebration of Life" was held, by the family, in Estes Park, Colorado.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Oct. 20, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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1 Entry

Nancy O'Brien

March 10, 2025

Desiree, You and John stayed with my family in Arlington, VA in June 2013. I think your son? was getting married? somewhere in VA? I was so happy to get to know you, even briefly, after knowing John for several years thru work. You know how special John is. I can´t say "was" because I have carried his beautiful outlook with me since our first meeting. Then he and I shared heart malady info-more friendship bonding. You two were with us for my younger daughter´s 11th birthday and she wanted school/office supplies. LOL-she was me at 11! You and John delivered!! She was thrilled. And people who make my kids happy...forever in my heart. You also met Ken early in our lifelong love. That made our visit all the more special. I am sad to read of John´s passing. If ever a spirit lives on, it´s John Lorang. Thank you for sharing him, and yourself, with my family. If you find yourself in the east, we are still here! Give a holler. Love you, John Lorang, a spirit so free he could use the word love so comfortably and genuinely. I learned from that and try to emulate it. Truly, I do!
I am so sorry for your loss, Desiree. Much love, Nancy (and Ken, Maya, and Talia)

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