Mr. Robert "Brad" Lange's Obituary
Our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Brad Lange, age 73, went to heaven surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, December 12, 2015.
Born and raised in Muskegon, Brad graduated from Muskegon Heights High School and Muskegon Business College. As a teenager he worked with his father at Lange Transfer and Storage Company, a business that had been owned by the family since 1866. After his father’s death in 1981, Brad purchased the business and continued to run it successfully until his retirement in 1999.
On May 13, 1967, Brad married the love of his life, Lois Derks, and together they built an amazing life together, celebrating a marriage that lasted 48 years.
Brad always got the most out of life, and found happiness in so many activities: skiing, boating, going to the cabin, motorcycling, dancing, and remodeling, just to name a few. He was always working on a project, and always had a goal in mind. To Brad, nothing was impossible; he would find a way to get it done. He had a vast, diverse amount of knowledge and was well known for always being willing to help a friend. He was a mentor to many and was often referred to as a second dad.
One of Brad’s favorite activities was working on old cars at his shop, Specialty Auto. He was forever thankful for all his car buddies who were there for him in so many ways.
For all his many hobbies and activities, by far Brad’s greatest joy and fulfillment came from being with Lois and his girls. He cherished his family, and this was obvious to all who knew him.
Brad was a lifetime member of the Muskegon Jaycees and the Muskegon Elks Lodge. He also belonged to the Vikings, Mona Lake Boat Club, T&R Cruising Club of Fort Myers, Florida, and the West Michigan Street Rod Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lois Lange. He is survived by his wife, Lois; daughters, Heather Lange and Dacia Lange, both of Chicago; his sister Trish Lange and her husband Bud Orlando of California; and many, many beloved friends.
A celebration of Brad’s life will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, December 17, at Forest Park Covenant Church. A time of visitation and gathering with the family will be held after the service at the Fricano Event Center, 1050 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. You may visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com Contributions in Brad’s memory may be made to Harbor Hospice, or the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100.
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