Michael Richard Lange

1946 - 2024

Michael Richard Lange
Born: September 12, 1946 in Chicago, IL
Died: November 21, 2024 in Geneva, IL
Michael Richard Lange died peacefully on November 21, 2024 at Arden Court in Geneva, Illinois. He was 78 years old.
Born September 12, 1946 to Shirley and William Lange, Mike grew up in Wheaton, Illinois where he made friends that lasted a lifetime. During his junior year at Wheaton Community High School, he met Jo Schwanke. They married in 1969 and spent the next 55 years as loving lifelong partners. They raised two boys, Brent and Kory, who were into soccer, basketball and football during the school year and water sports during the summers on Lake Geneva with their cousins. Eventually Mike and Jo welcomed Lora and Kelly, daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren: Halle, Jordan, Kayla and Carter.
Mike's sense of humor and friendliness were legendary. He warmly greeted everyone he met and never left a gathering without having connected with each person there. He loved babies and tots always engaging them with a smile and conversation.
Mike put himself through Judson University by selling shoes and graduated with a degree in commercial art. With this background and interest in sales, Mike and Jo opened their own shoe store in Geneva, Illinois in 1974 called Shoe Biz. After selling the business ten years later, he took his sales and design expertise to Bruce Offsett, a commercial printing company.
Mike loved adventuring - boating and driving trips were top priorities. Exploring the national parks, enjoying river boat cruises and owning his own boat. He and Jo spent twenty years exploring the many ports of Lake Michigan. As a retiree, Mike also enjoyed golf with a bunch of his buddies along with their weekly lunches. But most of all he loved being with his children and grandchildren, attending their sporting events and relishing their growing up years.
Because of his eagerness and warmth, Mike was adored by his extended family and his lifelong friends from school days.
The family would like to thank the loving care he received from Arden Court.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Alzheimer's Association