Dr. John J. Lange

Dr. John J. Lange, 76, of South Range, WI, died Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.  John was born on July 22, 1945, the son of John D. and Edna (Rebholz) Lange.  John graduated from Central High School in Superior, WI and went on to marry the love of his life, Marjorie Starstead on June 20, 1964.  He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis MO in 1968.  He was the owner and operator of the Lange-Laughlin Chiropractic Clinic, Superior, WI for more than 54 years.

John was a life-long community service leader and gave so much of his time to many local area organizations, including The Salvation Army, Ruth House, The Union Gospel Mission, The Memorial Blood Bank, Boys and Girls Club, and CASDA, and was a cherished “Grandpa reader” for the children in area schools. John’s life of service encapsulated his big and generous heart. His kindness and small acts over many years added up to making a huge difference in so many lives.  His regular practice of blood donations added up to be over twenty gallons of blood that transformed 486 lives.

He enjoyed relaxing at his cabin on Lyman Lake, driving his pontoon, fishing, and socializing with all his friends around the lake; he was often seen driving his moped with his faithful companion Mayze in the basket. John and Margie had a love for travel that took them to all corners of the world:  Japan, Europe, Australia, South America, Mexico, Canada, and almost every state.  John especially enjoyed the Christmas season and dressing up as Santa Claus and would visit schools, nursing homes, and hospitals.  His jovial spirit of giving would be on full display when he would drive around in his convertible giving out toys and candy to kids, and tools and paintbrushes to adults. He truly defined the Christmas spirit with the joy of giving and the kindness he had towards others.  For many years, John would sleep in a cardboard box in December to bring awareness to the plight of the homeless in the area, collecting monetary and household donations for the shelter.

The one thing John loved the most and brought an extra twinkle to his eye were his grandchildren and great-grandson. He never missed a sports game, dance recital, horse competition, or any event that his grandchildren participated in.  They were the light of his life.  Many times, he would be sitting in the bleachers with his Santa hat, full beard, and a bag of candy, much to the delight of the young children who could not believe Santa liked basketball.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His presence was larger-than-life and his family and the entire community has blossomed because of him.  A man of many opinions and even more stories, he gave even after death.  His final act was being an eye and tissue donor.  Because of him, lives will be better.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Margie Lange; two daughters: Traci (Dane) Laughlin, South Range, WI; Christina (Thomas) Kintop, Foxboro, WI; six grandchildren: Alexander Laughlin, South Range, WI; Noah Laughlin, Los Angeles, CA; Mckenzie (Charles) Kintop Champagne, Boston, MA; Natalie (Adam) Moorse, Sophia Kintop, and Chloe Kintop, Minneapolis, MN; and great-grandson, Jack Champagne; sisters, Ellen (Mark) Powles, South Range, WI; Carol Lange, Superior, WI; brother, Richard (Marilyn) Lange, South Range, WI.

John is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 PM, Friday, January 28, 2022, at Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E 5 ^th Street, Superior, WI.

Visitation will resume at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Peace Lutheran Church, 9523 US-2, Poplar, WI and will continue until the 1:00 PM Memorial Service with Pastor Donna Rutten officiating. Masks will be required for all who attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to The Salvation Army, Ruth House, The Union Gospel Mission, The Memorial Blood Bank, Boys and Girls Club, or CASDA.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E 5 ^th Street, Superior, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold .com.