Bernice Martha Lange

Bernice Martha Lange, 94, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family who loved her deeply, on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Heritage Court Assisted Living in Houston, MN.

She was born July 1, 1928, in Adrian, MN, to Gerhard and Helen (Reining) Bauer. She married Leslie Lange on October 13, 1947, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Caledonia, Minnesota, now known as St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Les and Bernice farmed outside of Hokah, MN on Tschumper Ridge. They referred to their family farm as High Acres because the farm was located at the highest elevation in Houston County. They farmed for many years before purchasing and taking over the operations of La Crescent Feed and Seed Co. in 1971, until March 23, 1972, when Les died suddenly while working.  Then, Bernice’s primary job became caring for and raising her 8 children alone, who were still living at home at the time of his death.  Bernice worked as a dietary aid at St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse and then as a cook at the Crucifixion School cafeteria for many years. She also worked as a housekeeper at the Ranch Hotel in La Crescent and served as a caretaker to Marjory Murphy for many years.

Bernice was a long-time active member of Crucifixion Parish in La Crescent and was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 595 of La Crescent. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in many sporting events and was one of La Crescent’s biggest fans, with her own parking spot at the Varsity Softball Field.  Bernice was a model for clean living.  She showed her children the way to live, but at times would laugh and call her children “angels with dirty wings”.  The letters in her name Bernice were also lovingly talked about in the family.  We’d remind each other to be like Bernice or Be nice, just remove the r.  Bernice worked for many years as a cook, but lived a lifetime of making family meals, baking homemade bread, and always making sure everyone felt welcome in her home.  She had many Bernice sayings to teach her children the way to live.  Here are a few: “If you don’t have nothing good to say, don’t say nothing at all.”  “Sweep your own doorstep first.” And, “Think three times before you speak.”  Bernice and Les raised 12 children.  They had a tidy home.  Bernice used the saying, “If you don’t clean the corners, you might as well leave the dirt in the middle of the floor.”

Bernice was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.  That’s five generations, wahoo!  The funny thing about all of that is, when Bernice and Les were first married, their doctor told them that Bernice would not be able to have children.  They sure beat those odds!

Bernice’s favorite pastimes included sending the kids out to play ball, while she helped Dad “get ready for work.”  Watching the Twins or Vikings and playing euchre.  Playing cards was a part of most Lange gatherings, along with greetings and goodbyes with lots of hugs and kisses.  Some in the family called Bernice the Queen of euchre or Lipstick Lange as she was a tough opponent who would end up winning with any partner.  Bernice was also called the “Card Lady” at the post office because she bought so many stamps.  She was known by many for showering folks with love, good wishes, sympathy, and congratulations.

Our family has lost our quiet leader.  In honor of Bernice, we’ll try to live our lives following the many lessons she has modeled for us throughout her life.

The family of Bernice Lange would like to thank the wonderful staff from Heritage Court for the loving care they showed our mother.  We would also like to acknowledge all of her friends there, who enjoyed treasured activities together like movie night, cards, Molly B, and happy hour.

Bernice is survived by her children, Rose (Ron) Wall of Maplewood, MN,  Ray Lange of Houston, MN, Judy Mueller of Minnetonka, MN, Donna Johnson of La Crescent, MN, Joan (Keith) Kor of Apache Junction, AZ, Kathy Lange of Wheat Ridge, CO, Dan (Michelle) Lange of Blue River, WI, Deb (Shane) Trynowski of Dakota, MN, and Michael (Patti) Lange of Houston, MN; daughters-in-law, Jim’s wife Lois Lange and Rick’s wife, Linda Lange, both of Houston, MN; 33 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

She is further survived by siblings, Vina Lange and Rita Svehaug, both of Caledonia, MN, Mary Mullen of Boise, ID, and John (Judy) Bauer of Durand, WI; sisters-in-law, Leota Bauer and Wanda Bauer; brothers-in-law, Art Robak and Dave Augedahl; brother-in-law Lawence Weinbrod and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Les, in 1972; sons, James “Jim” and Richard “Rick” Lange; daughter, Sharon Lange; son-in-law, Stan Johnson; grandson, Ron Lange; siblings, Vincent Bauer and his wife, Rosine, Sr. Vinciana Bauer, Teresa Heberlein and her husband, Ralph, Lawrence “Shorty” Bauer, Gordon Bauer, Mildred Robak, and Helen Augedahl; and brothers-in-law, Ted Lange, Raymond D. Lange, Jimmy Lange and Lee Svehaug.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 2nd, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah, MN, with the visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Rev. John L. Evans, II will officiate. Burial will follow at Crucifixion Cemetery in La Crescent and a reception and meal at The La Crescent Event Center from 1:00 until 4:00 p