Thomas Arthur Lange

Thomas “Tom” A. Lange, 89, of Sodus, MI passed away quietly and peacefully Friday, January 16, 2015 at his sons home surrounded by his friends and family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 A.M., Friday, January 23, 2015  at Riverview Park Christian Church, 2929 Niles Rd. St. Joseph with Rev. David F. Stout officiating. Burial to follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Riverview Park Christian Church, River School #5 in Sodus, or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to signs Tom’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Tom was born April 13, 1925 in the farmhouse on the family farm in Sodus, MI. The son of Arthur and Gladys (Hanson) Lange. Tom graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1943 and attended Western Michigan University. Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged. On March 19, 1966 he wed Sally Hand in Benton Harbor, MI. Tom worked for over 40 years at Whirlpool Corp. but his real love and passion was for farming. He and Sally loved picking the apples he so carefully grew and they so enjoyed the times selling their produce at the Benton Harbor Fruit Market. Tom also supplied many roadside stands with his high quality fruits. He would polish every apple by hand. Tom enjoyed taking his family on vacation and completely wore out two Travco Motor homes. He visited almost every corner of North America. That being said, Tom liked Sodus and Riverview Park Christian Church the best. He saw the rest and was always happy to get back to his orchards. He was an active member of his church and donated much time, energy and resources to its buildings and to its grounds. In his younger days he and Sally sang in the church choir. He is survived by his children Shawn of Sault Ste Marie, MI, Eric (Kathy) of Benton Harbor, MI, Brian of Hartford, MI, Thomas II of Sodus, MI, and Suzan of Hayesville, IA. He also leaves behind grandchildren Katie and Kelsea, Kirk, Hunter, Elise, Joshua, and Jeff. He also has one great grandchild. His sisters Joan Ross of Milwaukee, WI, and Clara (Ed) Menchinger of Sarasota, FL; sister-in-law Wilma Lange. Surviving as well are numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his love Sally and his brother Charles Lange. He loved his dog Sam, who misses him terribly.