Charles Lange

Charles Marvin Lange, 72, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning after a 6 ½ year battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Edna and Charles Lange.  Chuck leaves behind his wife Margaret of 45 years, sons Jake Lange, Thomas (Sheena) Lange and daughter Brittany (CJ) Smith.  He also leaves behind three grandchildren, the lights of his life, Adam Smith, Tyler Smith and Luna Lange.  Chuck is survived by brothers Bill Lange, Jim Lange, sister Jana Dorlac, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Chuck was born on January 2, 1949 to Edna and Charles Lange in Grand Junction, Colorado where he grew up and graduated from Central High School in 1967.  He attended Mesa Community College from 1967 – 1969, where he played baseball.  The highlight of his sophomore year was hitting a home run in the JUCO tournament.  Chuck played semi-pro baseball for the Grand Junction Eagles the summer of 1969.  He attended Colorado State University from 1970-1971, then transferred to Western State College from 1971 – 1973 where he graduated with a Bachelors and Teaching Degree with a Physical Education Manor and History Teaching Minor.  After graduating from college, he worked for the City of Grand Junction Road Department and with Marion Crenshaw Construction.  Chuck went to work at Orchard Mesa Junior High (now Orchard Mesa Middle School) in the fall of 1976.  During his years at OMMS, Chuck taught PE, Math, Reading, Social Studies, and his favorite class…History.  In addition to teaching, he coached Football, Basketball, Wrestling (one year) and Track.  Chuck loved teaching, his students were his life and all turned into his “kids” and his fellow teachers were his school family.  Chuck retired from Orchard Mesa Middle School in May, 2010.  In the fall of 2010, Chuck went to work for Cabela’s.  He loved seeing all the different guns as he inspected them.  He also loved seeing past students, friends and family as they shopped.  He truly enjoyed getting to know and work with the employees and management at the Grand Junction store.  They were his work family!

Chuck enjoyed hunting, fishing, World War II Re-enacting, Car Audio competitions (he tied for 8th place in the 2003 World Finals by hitting 150.5 dB in the 151-300 Stock Class).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “For the Howl of it Animal Rescue”, Chuck’s favorite charity.  https://www.facebook.com/donate/830730234487106/

Chuck’s Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at 11:00am, at Browns Cremation and Funeral Service, 904 N 7th Street, Grand Junction, Colorado.