Leslie Jean Lange, born on April 29, 1925 in Lincoln, to Glenn and Eilene Brown. Leslie died on May 15, 2019 in Lincoln. Leslie Jean was the oldest of six children and grew up helping raise her five siblings who were all at least 11 years younger than her. She attended Hartley, Whittier and Lincoln High School.
After high school she married Paul Lange of Lincoln and accompanied him to Seattle, Washington, where he was stationed in the Navy during World War II. After the War Leslie and Paul returned to Lincoln and began raising a family of three children, Bill, Bob and Pati. Paul and Leslie owned and operated their family business, a neighborhood grocery store, Lange’s IGA for 25 years. Leslie and Paul then lived in Boulder, Colorado for 20 years before returning to Lincoln in 1995 to be close to their family.
Leslie Jean was part of the ‘greatest generation’, which grew up during the depression, answered the call to serve the nation during WWII and experienced great changes in American society. She was such a kind and caring person. She loved music, singing and dancing and was so proud of her Irish heritage. She liked to cook, golf, bowl and volunteer at the public school libraries. She was small in size but mighty. She often recited famous quotes like ‘ the only thing we have to fear is fear itself’ by President Roosevelt. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. We will miss you Leslie Jean.
Leslie is preceded in death by her husband, Paul of 72 years and her parents Glenn and Eilene Brown. She is survived by her children Bill (Janet) Lange of Lincoln, Bob (Penny) Lange of Lincoln, Pati (Daryl) Wittstruck of Omaha and her grandchildren, Nick (Elizabeth) Lange, Jim (Nora) Lange, Jacki (Ryan) Harris, Lindsay (Nick) Shannon, Kelsey Lange and great-grandchildren, Miles and Colin Lange, Avery and Logan Harris and Austin Paul Shannon and her siblings Jim Brown, Jane North, Susan Mallum, Joan Haefle and Jack Brown.
Funeral service: 11 a.m. Monday (5-20) at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd., with Pastor Kara Hillhouse officiating.
Memorials to Lincoln Chapter, Nebraska Alzheimer’s Association, 1500 South 70th Street, Suite 201, Lincoln, NE 68506.
Visitation: 2-8 p.m. with family present from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street.