Audrey E. Lange, age 89, of Irma, passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.
Audrey was born June 17, 1923, in Merrill, daughter of the late William E. and Myrtle E. (Schenk) Lange. Audrey was raised and lived her entire life on the Lange Family homestead, which has been in her family over 125 years. She was a graduate of Merrill High School in 1940. In 1942, Audrey graduated from the Lincoln County Normal School where she received her teaching certificate. She began her teaching career in schools at Elm City, Gleason, and Irma grade schools. Audrey later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, and continued her teaching career with the Merrill Area Public School system. She taught for many years at the former Franklin Elementary School, retiring in 1985. Audrey was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Irma, and remained a lifelong member of the congregation. Audrey enjoyed nature. She loved to tend to her yard, take walks in her woods, and feed and care for the birds. Audrey also enjoyed cooking, especially baking. Her favorite pastime was collecting and trying out new recipes.
Survivors include her aunt, Verna (Schenk) Ackley, Eau Claire; her friends and caregivers, Richard and Darlene Plautz, Merrill; her cousins and caregivers, Trudy (Norman) Kriewald, and Mari (Roger) Nelson, both of Merrill; along with many other cousins.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 12, 2012, at the Chat Cemetery, located on Highway H in the Town of Birch. The Rev. Hans J. Heisinger will officiate. At Audrey’s request there will be no visitation.
Audrey’s family would like to thank the staff at Ministry Good Samaritan Hospital, the staff at Bell Tower Residence, and Ministry Home Care Hospice for their care and compassion given to Audrey and her family.
The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, assisted with arrangements.