Lendell L. Lange, 81, Morrison, IL, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2013, at 9:59 a.m.
Lendell was born October 8, 1931. He was educated in Morrison, graduating from Morrison High School in 1949. He went on to attend Western University in Macomb, IL. Lendell was inducted into the Morrison Hall of Fame on August 31, 2001, along with his basketball team for their 1948-1949 Illowa Conference and Regional Championships.
Lendell was called up to active duty in the Army National Guard, 129th Infantry, during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He sang in a quartet with his brother during his service, entertaining visiting dignitaries.
Lendell served for many years on the Morrison Community School District #6 Board of Education. He worked for Groharing Construction as a laborer and R. C. Smith Tranportation as a driver. He was associated with the Ray Harvey Agency as a licensed realtor while farming all of his life, first with his father and then on his own until he retired. He was a member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau.
Lendell was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church in Morrison, where he served as a trustee and enjoyed participation in the choir and plays. Music was a large part of Lendell’s life. He sang for over three decades with the Rock River Valley Chorus and was the bass for several quartets which competed within SPEBSQSA. The family traveled together throughout the United States as recently as last month. He enjoyed family get-togethers celebrating special occasions with relatives, playing with Sam, his grandson, reading, and assembling jigsaw puzzles.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia (Steadman) Lange; daughter, Audrey Lange, Elgin, IL; grandson, Samuel Lange, Elgin; a special sister-in-law, M. Jo Steadman, Holiday Island, NC; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy and Gladys (White) Lange; sister, Marian (Lange) Blauer; brother, Wilbert Lange; beloved son, Steven Lange.
Graveside visitation and service is open to family and friends at the Grove Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, September 3, 2013. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with the service at 11:00 a.m. and military honors to follow.
Pastor Dick Adams of First Baptist Church will be officiating, followed with a light lunch at First Baptist Church of Morrison, IL.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Morrison.