Michael J. Lange, 63, of Burlington, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at home with his wife and daughter by his side.
Mike was born on January 29, 1960 to Roberta and Donald Lange in rural Burlington. In his early childhood, Mike took an interest in building things and through the love and mentoring of his neighbors Shorty and Alice Davis – who became his second parents – his talent in construction and design began to develop. Their influence also helped form his love of gardening and caring for all things green.
Mike married Susie Zelenski on October 31, 1987. He designed and built his home in the town of Burlington in 1991, and in 1994 they welcomed their daughter Lauren who was his pride and joy.
Mike began his career as a silo builder and then carried on his love for building when taking a job with Dan Finke Construction. He went on to work for D.M. Ketterhagen Builders, where he remained employed until he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in April of 2022. His skill and craftsmanship is evident in so many homes in the area. He was always happy to lend a hand to family and friends with their projects.
Through the years, Mike was an avid horseshoe pitcher garnering many trophies and awards. He bowled on Wednesday nights at Towne & Country Lanes and played volleyball and shot pool on local bar leagues.
His last year of life was just as he had wanted, filled with all things he held dear. His time was spent tending to his immaculate lawn, caring for his pool (which is always filled with family & friends), making the annual trip to Hayward, taking camping trips with the friends who he considered family, traveling to Belize, spending time with his sisters (who hadn’t all been together for over 30 years), meeting friends for Bloodies or a J. Bavet & Sour (with olives) and satisfying his healthy appetite and love of food. All the while never allowing the diagnosis to define him or his life.
Mike is survived by his wife Susie; daughter Lauren and future son-in-law Joe Porter and children Aubrey and Westin; sisters Debbie (John) Pellmann, Phyllis Tracy, Connie (Rob) Martin, Nola (Tom) Seaberg, and brother Donald (Christine) Lange; brothers-in-law Dave (Nina) Zelenski, Dan (Barb) Zelenski, Jim (Rochelle) Zelenski; sister-in-law Karen (Eugene) Stevens; and mother-in-law Phyllis Zelenski; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Joe Zelenski.
We would especially like to thank Laurie, our physical therapist who so helped us along this journey; and Molly, our hospice nurse, who made us comfortable in his final days.
Family and friends are welcome to gather and remember Mike on Thursday, April 27, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Integrity Celebration Center, 2789 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. Visit IntegrityFamilies.net.
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