Frederick Max Lange's Obituary
Frederick Max Lange, loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, made his transition to his spiritual home on November 5, 2025.
He was born in Muskegon, Michigan, and grew up on Wolf Lake, where he loved fishing, swimming, hunting, and trapping. He married Darlene Drake in 1964, and although they grew apart, together they had two wonderful sons, James and Daniel.
In 1972, Fred met the love of his life, Margaret “Margie” Dobbins. They married November 23, 1974, and began life’s journey together in Fort Myers, Florida.
They enjoyed living in Florida for over 40 years, sharing adventures with their two boys. Jim was his fishing buddy, spending endless hours together on the Gulf of Mexico. No fish was too big, including netting a 500-pound sawfish. Dan was his scuba diving buddy and they had many adventures exploring the Gulf of Mexico (including the Keys) from the bottom looking up.
In 2017, they relocated to Georgia to spend their retirement years in the mountains, following long-time friends, Bill and Sonya, to the quaint town of Ellijay. He loved his home there, and it became his sanctuary, enjoying the deer and other wildlife. Many hours were spent in the rocking chair on the porch in peace and relaxation.
Fred was a unique man. While he didn’t have a formal education, his knowledge was vast and varied, and he was blessed with an inventive mind. He was motivated by challenges (or the impossible). One of his life’s greatest accomplishments was holding two U.S. Patents for equipment used in the plumbing industry.
He was a gifted and artistic wood craftsman creating custom kitchens, entertainment centers and other wood furnishings. His artistic abilities extended into blowing art deco glass.
Fred had an adventurous soul. For a short period of time, he helped charter private yachts from Hilton Head, South Carolina, to exotic Caribbean destinations. Through a German friendship, he was able to explore Germany, Switzerland, and England, including sailing a chartered ship on Lake Ijsselmeer in the Netherlands. Along with a European river cruise, he also enjoyed several American river cruises with his wife, checking Alaska off his bucket list. One of the last trips they made together was a train trip through the Canadian Rockies.
He had many hobbies over the years, but his most notable one was creating fireworks. While putting together spectacular shows for family and friends was rewarding, he most loved inventing the machines to create the fireworks. His artistic nature came through as he mixed chemicals to bring vivid colors, crackling stars, and streaming tails to life. His neighbor and good friend, Travis, became his pyrotechnic “partner in crime,” and they spent many hours in his shop—drinking coffee, solving the problems of the world, and forming a lasting bond.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, mother, grandson Joshua, and his sister Barb. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Margaret “Margie” Lange; his son, James Lange of Muskegon, MI; his son Daniel (Andrea) Lange of Newberry, MI, Grandchildren: James, Danny (Kristen); Jeramy (Jessica); Stephanie; Samantha (David); Kendra (Chad); Heather; and Kyle (Allison); 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter. Along with his large immediate family, he will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of special friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Ellijay, Georgia at the Bernhardt Funeral Home, 163 River Street, on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM with a second Celebration of life at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100 on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held after each celebration service, and a light meal will be served.
Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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