Helen J. Lange, 85, of S. Roosevelt Street, Tomahawk, went to her eternal home on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Helen JoAnn KladeHaeger Lange was born February 2, 1936, the 7th child of 13 children born to Fred and Mildred (Plautz) Klade of Lincoln County. The family moved to Merrill shortly after her birth. This was during the Great Depression and when one of her siblings were ill, it was customary to take the baby to Aunt Marie and Uncle Ed Haeger’s house to protect her from contracting the illness. By the time she was 13 months old she had become attached to her aunt and uncle, and they to her, that she became a permanent member of their home. She grew up and went to school as a member of both households; therefore, she used the Haeger name also. Helen was an active member of her church all of her life. She went to parochial school and graduated from Merrill High School. After working in the local hospital for a year she proceeded to get further education as an accountant. In 1958 Helen married Everett Lange, an entrepreneur (farming, school bus operator, etc.) and she became an integral part of the businesses. At one time she balanced five operations at once.
For nine years she opened her home to three foster sons, Gilbert (Kristine) Anderson, Irma; William (Donna) Radtke, Irma; and Ronald (Bea) Thornton of Illinois. She continued to be an important part of their lives to this day. Everett and Helen also adopted 3 children; Bruce (Beth) Lange of Sauk City; Lisa (George) Dalka of Rhinelander; and Randy (Mary) Lange of Merrimac, Wisconsin. Through foster and adopted children she was blessed with 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Helen never missed a birthday or special event and became the matriarch of family dates and history.
Along with the loving support she provided her family she was also an active part of the community by volunteering for many church and community functions. She was always quick with smiles and set a shining example for everyone to follow. She will be missed by all that knew her and her legacy shall continue through us all.
Funeral services for Helen Lange will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. from the Krueger Family Funeral Home. Revs. Susan Christian and Clayton Schmit will officiate. Burial will be in Bethany Cemetery in Irma. The Lange family will receive friends at the Krueger Family Funeral Home Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 1:00 p.m. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at kruegerfamilyfuneral.com