Bruce R. Lange

Bruce R. Lange, 79, Baldwin, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 3 at First Presbyterian Church, Wilton, with Pastor Chuck Pedersen officiating. Burial will be held at Wilton Riverview Cemetery, Wilton, at a future date.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Bruce was born to Donald and Myra Louella (Moses) Lange on October 20, 1945, in Corpus Christi, TX. At three weeks old, they made their way home to Baldwin, ND. While growing up on the family dairy farm, Bruce attended rural school until the eighth grade before attending Wilton High School, graduating in 1964.

Bruce attended college at Bismarck Junior College, achieving his associate degree. In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years. While stationed in Washington D.C., he met the love of his life, Nancy Lawson. They married in June 1970 before moving back to his family farm, where they made their home overlooking the Missouri River. He worked as a dairy farmer for 22 years and was also known to take on various butchering jobs for numerous neighbors and friends. In 1991 he received his bachelor's degree from University of Mary. After selling the dairy cows in 1992, he began working for the State Water Commission, retiring in 2011. He then worked as a rural mail carrier for the US Postal Service and loved driving for Harlow Bus for local sporting teams before fully retiring in 2015.

Bruce was a member of Wilton American Legion, Painted Woods Township Board, and served as an election poll worker. He also volunteered his time assisting with the upkeep of Riverview Cemetery.

Bruce enjoyed traveling, playing pool, hunting, photography, metal detecting, playing cards, birdwatching, and loved to meet new people, believing everyone had a great story to tell.

Bruce was very humble, honest and hardworking. He was always willing to lend a hand when it was needed.

One of his greatest enjoyments was time spent with his grandchildren. In recent months, he enjoyed playing cards and playing pool with his friends at Marillac Manor.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Nancy; his children, Carmen (Jack) Biesterfeld, Baldwin, Laura (Alan) Toman, Mandan, and Donald (Lacey) Lange, Bismarck; six grandchildren, Nicole (Alex) Paulson, Durango, CO, Ty Biesterfeld, Bismarck, Emily and Addy Toman, Mandan, and Kenley and Ellia Lange, Bismarck; two sisters, Carlene (Marvin) Dockter, Baldwin, and Ardyth Volesky, Redding, CA; uncle, Paul (Lois) Lange, Wilton; two aunts, Rosemary Moses, Wing, and Norma Lange, Overton, NE; two sisters-in-law, Monetta (Joe) Ward, Rockmart, GA, and Debra Lawson, Kennesaw, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Louella Lange; mother-in-law, Vivian Poland; and his brothers-in-law, James Lawson I and Raymond Lawson.