Gordon Lange

A man who lived a life of purpose each day, Gordon Lange was a gift to those around him. A family man through and through, he took his roles as a husband and father to heart, but he just may have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandfather. Gordy was a man of great strength whose faith kept him anchored during times of trial, and although he was never overbearing in sharing his beliefs it was easy to see his love for the Lord. He was a hardworking man, but he knew how to play hard, too, and his best times were when he was surrounded by his loved ones. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Gordy created a timeless collection of memories that will be forever cherished by those too numerous to count. It seems only fitting that Gordys life began during a time that was as vibrant as he was. It was the Roaring Twenties when washing machines and refrigerators became part of our homes while radios brought the world around us within our reach. Jazz music continued to be popular, and the Charleston was among the latest dance crazes. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great anticipation in the lives of Herman Porter and Lorena (Best) Lange as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of spring began to unfold on the city of Muskegon, Michigan, in 1925. The big day finally arrived on April 22nd when the baby boy they named Gordon P. drew his first breath. He was the oldest of three children in his family and was raised in the family home at 1147 Washington in Muskegon alongside his sisters, Joan and Nancy. A young boy of his generation, Gordy experienced a typical upbringing. He liked playing hockey and football with his neighborhood friends and looked forward to visits to his uncles farm. Gordy attended local schools including Nims Elementary, which is where he became friends with Oscar Ole Olsen. He then went on to Muskegon High School where he played football for the Big Reds. The Lange family enjoyed spending summers at Torch Lake along with car rides with trips to the ice cream place, too. Gordy went on to graduate from high school in 1943. New and exciting changes were in store for Gordy when his relationship with someone he had known since he was a kid blossomed into something deeper. Her name was Barbara Schrader, and she was friends with his sister, Joan. Gordy was serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS New Mexico during WWII, and it was after he returned that he and Barb began dating. It wasnt long before the sweethearts were in love, and with a desire to establish a life together Gordy and Barb were married on May 1, 1948. Together Gordy and Barb welcomed four daughters including Charlene in 1949, Lori in 1961, Kimberly in 1966, and Joni in 1968 into their hearts and home. Life in the family home on McIlwraith Street was always a bustle of activity. As a parent Gordon offered unconditional love, never ran out of patience, and didnt judge, but he could also be firm when needed. In a house with five women and only one tiny bathroom, things could get interesting at times, and Gordy was not above using the emergency pee can he kept hidden in the basement! Gordon loved taking his family on vacations to places like Mackinac Island, Cedar Point, and Washington, D.C. and also going out for dinner to Scribs Pizza on Saturday nights. Being with his family was always of the utmost importance to Gordy including family gatherings at the cottage on Twin Lake as well as reunions at Bear Lake In Kalkaska, family reunions at the farm in Conklin, and Sunday Church followed by dinner. He looked forward to Christmas Eve every year, and he always went all out to make the day special for his loved ones. To support his family, Gordon worked as a truck driver, delivering appliances and furniture for Lange Transfer for 44 years until retiring on April 22, 1990. After retiring, Gordon had more time for pursuing his interests. He was a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church where he also served as an usher. Gordon regularly played cards like cribbage, euchre, and pinochle, went out for breakfast at Mr. Quicks on Laketon Avenue, and spent time with his special friends, Mick and Jackie Meyers, Herm and Pat Timmer, Alan and Shirley Garvey, and Fred and Ilene Kershner as well as Barbs brothers and their wives and his sisters and their husbands. Of course nothing was better than becoming a grandfather, and he came to nearly all of their sporting events and other activities. Gordon also frequently took his grandchildren fishing. During his younger years Gordon square danced and loved bowling. In fact, he was quite the bowler as he won his familys first color television in a tournament at a local bowling alley. Gordon also enjoyed horseshoes, fishing, and hunting. He was a fan of the Detroit Tigers and the Muskegon Big Reds football team for which he was a season ticket holder for 25 years. One of the kindest people around, Gordon Gordy Lange was a stranger to none and a friend to all. He was a man of faith who faced whatever came his way with both strength and courage that were an inspiration. Never one to be concerned with building wealth, Gordy was all about living fully in the moments while holding his loved ones near. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Gordon "Gordy" Lange died on Monday, April 13, 2015. Gordons family includes his daughters, Charlene (Tom) Richardson of Muskegon, Lori (Chris) Kendra of Muskegon, Kimberly Lange of Chicago, Joni (Bill) Schmidt of White Lake; grandchildren Chad (Michelle Johnson) & Craig Richardson, Ryan & Lindsay Kendra, and Morgan Schmidt; sisters Nancy (Ken) Tousey of NC; sister-in-law Irene Schrader Vargo of Muskegon; many nieces, nephews & cousins; life long friend Oscar "Ole" (Cappy) Olsen. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara in 2009; sister Joan (Charles) Melrose, and brother-in-law Ken Tousey. Services will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Mark D. Miller officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Interment in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with family and friends on Friday, April 17, 2015, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. & Saturday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Mercy VNS & Hospice or Alzheimer's Association. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.