Erwin Albert Lange, 86, of Eau Claire died Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at Dove Healthcare in Eau Claire. He was born on September 26, 1923, to Paul and Magdeline (Herzke) Lange in Fairchild, WI. He was christened on October 14, 1923, at Fairchild Lutheran Church by Rev. Geske and confirmed in 1937 by Rev. Paul Buck. Erwin graduated from Fairchild High School in 1941, after which he moved with his parents to Augusta, WI. \r\nErv was proud to have served his country in World War II from December 8, 1942, to October 15, 1945. He was a POW in Europe after his plane was shot down over Hungary in which all ten members of his crew parachuted to safety, and all survived the following 50 years. Erv was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries while in service. \r\nErv was united in marriage to Shirley Marie Johnson on December 15, 1945 at North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church in Ettrick, WI.\r\nHe attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering, graduating as an Electronic Technician in December 1946. Erwin was employed 38 years as an Electronic Technician at Sears until his retirement in 1987. \r\nHe was a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church since 1948, where he served twelve years on the church Board of Education, several years as church Elder and Trustee, played on the Epiphany Dart ball League and worked with Tape Ministry. He was also a member of VFW Post #305, the DAV, and Indianhead P.O.W. Club where he was a past commander. \r\nErv enjoyed deer hunting, golfing, bowling, square dancing, and volunteering on the "Step Force" at Luther Hospital from its inception until his 80th birthday, when ill health forced him to retire. \r\nIn 1970 Erv built their lake home on Tainter Lake which his family and friends enjoyed until 2003, when the ravages of Alzheimers Disease and Parkinson's took over. They sold their lake home as well as their home on Cummings Ave. where they had lived 27 years, moving then to the condo on Old Orchard Rd. Erv became a resident of Dove Healthcare in 2006. \r\nErv is survived by his loving wife Shirley of 64 ½ years; four daughters, Susan Gehring (friend Sven Hoffman) of Heidelberg, Germany, Joan (Richard) Wischmeier of Verona, Sharon (Thomas) Hulback of Bloomington, IL, and Sonja (William) Wendt of Westminster, CO;eight grandchildren, Nathan (Kassi) Gehring of Appleton, Jason (Sara) Gehring of Milwaukee, Jacob (friend Kelli Cargo)Wischmeier of Madison, Eric Wischmeier of Madison, Megan (T.J.) Sullivan of Noblesville, IN, Paul Hulback (friend Amanda) of Charlotte NC, Alyssa and Heidi Wendt of Westminster, CO; three great-grandchildren, Simone and Quinn Gehring of Appleton, WI and Brady Jon Gehring of Milwaukee; a brother-in-law, Willard (Mavis) Johnson of Ettrick; and many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pauline (Robert) Williams; parents-in-law, Julius and Tena Johnson; and a brother-in-law, Sigvald Johnson.\r\nSincere thanks to Pastor's Russell Kampfer, Michael Michalk, and Fred Sauder, who gave spiritual care all these years. A special thank you for the loving care from the Dove Healthcare Nurses, CNA's, Social Workers, Dietary, Activity Directors, and also to Dr. Randall Casper at Luther Midelfort Mayo Hospital.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 24, 2010, at Epiphany Lutheran Church with Pastor Russell Kampfer officiating. Burial will be in Northern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery near Spooner, WI. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. and at the church 8:30 a.m. Monday until time of services.\r\nIn lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be directed to the Epiphany Lutheran Church "Courage Capital Fund" or the "Epiphany Foundation", 3031 Epiphany Lane, Eau Claire, WI 54703

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