Shirley Marie Lange, age 92, of Eau Claire, died at Dove Healthcare West Nursing Home on Sunday, March 20, 2016. She was born August 19, 1923, to Julius A. and Tena (Thompson) Johnson in Ettrick, WI. She was christened at North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church on September 23, 1923, and confirmed in 1937. Shirley attended a one-room country school (Chapultepec), then attended Blair High School, graduating in 1941. Shirley also graduated from Luther Hospital School of Nursing in Eau Claire in 1944, and began practicing her profession as an RN at Luther Hospital. Shirley was united in marriage with the love of her life, Erwin Albert Lange on December 15, 1945, at North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church in Ettrick, WI. Shirley was employed as an RN for two years in Milwaukee while Erv attended Milwaukee School of Engineering. After he received his Electronic Technician's degree they returned to Eau Claire, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Shirley practiced her nursing profession many years at Luther Hospital (now Mayo Clinic Health System) and Pediatrics at Midelfort Clinic, retiring in 1987. After retiring, she began volunteering at Mayo Clinic Health Systems and continued until December of 2015. Shirley and Erv became members of Epiphany Lutheran Church in 1948, where she was active in their Ladies' Auxiliary, choir, LWML, teaching Sunday School and Senior Citizen Group. She was a lifetime member of Luther Hospital Auxiliary, a member of Indianhead POW Club as well as state secretary of WI POW Club, VFW Auxiliary, and Lamplighter with AAL. With their many friends, Shirley and Erv played cards, bowled, and golfed. Shirley enjoyed her family, sewing, quilting and entertaining. They also built a cottage at Champney Park at Tainter Lake where they spent time from 1970 until health forced them to sell their lake home in 2003, after which they continued living in Eau Claire. Shirley is survived by her four daughters, Susan Gehring of Madison, WI, Joan (Richard) Wischmeier of Madison, WI, Sharon (Thomas) Hulback of The Villages, FL, and Sonja (William) Wendt of Westminster, CO; one brother, Willard Johnson of Ettrick, WI; eight grandchildren, Nathan (Kassie) Gehring of Boca Raton, FL, Jason (Sara) Gehring of Milwaukee, WI, Jacob (Kelli) Wischmeier of Madison, WI, Eric Wischmeier of Madison, WI, Megan (TJ) Sullivan of Noblesville, IN, Paul (Amanda) Hulback of Charlotte, NC, and Alyssa and Heidi Wendt of Westminster, CO; eight great grandchildren, Simone and Quinn Gehring, Brady, Matthew and Samuel Gehring, Brynn Sullivan, Lilah Wischmeier and Decker Hulback; and also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband, Erwin A. Lange (died on May 12, 2010, after 64 years of marriage), also her parents; and one brother, Sigvald Johnson. Sincere thanks to Russell Kamfer and Fred Sauder who gave her spiritual guidance all these years. Also thanks to Dove West Nursing Home (Palliative Care Unit), Dr. Rogers, Nurse Christine Eggers (Appeal to Heaven) and her daughters for their loving care. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 601 Fall St. in Eau Claire with Pastor Russell Kampfer officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2016, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. in Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to the services on Saturday, at the church. Burial will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery near Spooner, WI. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Epiphany Foundation; Epiphany Foundation Wall Project; TIM Together in Missions; or to Mayo Clinic Health Systems.

Service Information

Cemetery

Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery N4063 Veterans Way Spponer WI 54801

Visitation

Friday, March 25 2016 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Funeral Service

Saturday, March 26 2016 11:00 AM

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 601 Fall Street Eau Claire WI 54703