Everett W. Lange

Everett W. Lange, 89, a lifelong area resident, and unforgettable character, passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital.

Everett was born January 27, 1934 in the town of Skanawan, to Jenny(Peterson) and Herbert Lange.   He married the love of his life, Helen Klade Haeger in 1958. She passed away in 2021.  Everett served in the Army, and was a US Korean War veteran.  He was very proud to have served his county.

Everett would joke and say “That he did pretty good for someone with only a third grade education.”  This was not exactly true, he had an unending thirst for knowledge.  Truth be told, he received a degree in agriculture from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and had various other certifications, and achievements over the years.

Everett wore many hats in his working life.  He was a farmer, a logger, a contractor, and a tire shop owner, but became best known as the school bus contractor for the Tomahawk School District.   For 25 years he safely delivered the most precious cargo, to and from school.  During these years, he became known to most as “Old Uncle Everett.”   He also served on the Wisconsin School Bus Association board of directors, and spent several years as the President of the association. 

Everett was a long time member of Grace Lutheran Church of Tomahawk.  His church family was very important to him.  He was excited to be part of many church activities over the years, and looked forward to all that the church was involved in. He provided transportation for many youth group activities and outings.

  For several years Everett taught religious classes for the youth members.  He was also involved with various charitable organizations, including Our Way Group Homes in Tomahawk and Merrill, and the Salvation Army.

Everett loved his time at the local coffee shops.  This started many years ago when he would hold court with his cohorts at Lanous restaurant.  In recent years he would spend a lot of time at the Tomahawk Family Restaurant.  He enjoyed talking to everyone, and hearing the local buzz.   If you knew Everett, you  know that he always had a story, or catchy saying at the ready.   If you have any good stories about Everett, please share them with someone.  (I know he would enjoy that.)

Between yodeling, and speaking a little German, Everett had endless saying.  Here are a few:   When asked if it was going to rain, he would say “It's going to be a dry season if it doesn’t”.  When he would see a young boy growing up, he would look at them and say “You’re going to be a man before your mother will.”   When someone would complain about their job, he would respond “ If you hire out to be a coop scraper, sooner or later you’re going to have to scrape a coop”.  And finally, many times when saying good-bye, his last comment would be “Keep the sunny side up.”    

Surviving Everett are his children, Ronald (Bea) Thornton, Illinois; William (Donna) Radtke, Irma;  Gilbert Anderson, Irma;  Bruce (Beth) Lange, Sauk City, WI; Lisa (George) Dalka, Rhinelander;  and Randy (Mary) Lange, Merrimac, Wisconsin.   He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, siblings, Arnold (Betty) Lange of Merrill; and Harmon (Debbie) Lange,  Oregon; and Adeline Saltzman, New Mexico. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Everett is preceded in death by his wife, Helen, daughter in law, Kristine Anderson, brothers, Delmore, Eldon, and a sister, Marcie Schmit.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate the incredible life of Everett.  

The Funeral Service with Military Rites for Everett Lange will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, 11:00 a.m. from Grace Lutheran Church.  The Lange family will receive friends at the Krueger Nimsgern Funeral Home Thursday, January 4^th, from 4 until 7 p.m. and again on Friday from 10 until 11 a.am. at Grace Lutheran Church. Pastor Julie Sinkula will officiate. He will be laid to rest in Bethany Cemetery in Irma.

Memorials would be appreciated to Grace Lutheran Church.

You may view the obituary and send online condolences at nimsgernfuneral.com