Darlene Ruth Lange, 88, of Postville, Iowa died Friday, August 6, 2021 at her home with family by her side. Darlene was born on November 28, 1932 to Arnold W. and Ruth M. (Geno) Schutte in Postville, Iowa. She was baptized on June 11, 1933 and confirmed March 30, 1947. Darlene graduated from Postville High School in 1950.
On February 4, 1951, Darlene was united in marriage with Bennett Owen Lange. Five children were born to this union. Darlene was a working farm wife, helping with chores and milking the cows. She loved going to auctions, collecting teapots, cook and bake. Darlene was an Iowa Hawkeye Fan. She was a member of the West Post Project Club, Women’s Group Card Club and a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa. Darlene’s greatest love was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving Darlene are her four children, Jeffery (Cynthia) Lange of Postville, Iowa, Julie (Arnie) Dahlen of Decorah, Iowa, Steve (Vicki) Lange of La Crosse, Wisconsin and Joni (Doyle) Deck of Baldwin, Wisconsin; fifteen grandchildren, Jason (Crystal) Lange, Brandi Lange, Pasha (Justin) Quaas, Aaron (Kerbie) Dahlen, Aarik (Carolyn) Dahlen, Matt (Amber) Lange, Nicholas Lange, Megan (special friend, German) Lange, Matthew Cassem, Candice (Matt) Stier, Collin (Mindy) Ohloff, Craig (Chelsea) Ohloff, Stacey (Ryan) Christian, Kelli (Reece) Miller and Blake (Niki) Uhlenhake; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; her sister, Lavon Wirkler of Arlington, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Bennett Lange in 2004; daughter, Janet Lange; her parents, Arnold and Ruth Schutte; and two sisters, Rosalee Schutte and Marcene Schutte.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Postville, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Friday, August 13, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the officiant.
Burial will follow at Postville Cemetery in Postville, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.