Wolfgang G Lange
Wolfgang “Wolf” G. Lange,
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully in his home on June 17, 2010 from a prolonged illness.
He was born July 29, 1938 in Elbing, East Prussia (Gemany), to Beno Paul and Ruth Lange.
Wolf and Jutta Schmidt were married on July 29, 1960 in Germany. Together in 1961, they immigrated to the United States to seek out a better life and fulfill Wolf’s life-long dream of flying. In 1974, the United States conferred citizenship, which they humbly received and proudly guarded. Together, they raised their family and made their home primarily in the Ogden area.
When they came to the United States, Jutta had a Nursing Certificate from Germany, so she practiced nursing at St. Benedicts (now Ogden Regional)Hospital. While Jutta worked the night shifts, Wolf worked day jobs as a Certified Porsche and Mercedes mechanic. Then at night he studied his Ground School texts, while also fathering his 3 favorite girls; all in pursuit of his Private Pilot’s License, which he finally acquired in 1968.
Jutta became indispensable at the hospital, so with her career fairly stable, Wolf kicked his upward reach for faster/higher/bigger into high gear, and got his Commercial License in 1978. He then piloted as either First Officer or Captain for Utah Governor Norman Bangerter, and ferried NASA astronauts around the West on their survival school regimen. He also flew U.S. Forest Service and several other agencies’ brass and visitors around, providing aerial support for mapping services and so on; whatever he could do just to be flying.
Although flying was a lot of fun, the little planes weren’t challenging enough and dealing with the idiosyncrasies of some of his clientele proved to be frustrating; so he moved on to acquire his Airline Transport License and flew for Western Airlines and Aero America to add to his already burgeoning Log Book.
After a while the corporate “boxes and walls structure” bothered Wolf, and through all of his experience in the flying world, he began to see the need for competent flight training of America’s future pilots. Wanting to spend more time with his family and his hobbies, he turned his attention to teaching and got his Instructor’s Permit between 1980 and 1990. He instructed and soloed well over 200 future pilots in pursuit of their dreams of flying.
Along with his exceptional piloting skills, Wolf was always the tinkerer, the fix-it-guy and mechanic everyone sought for answers. He was a ‘visualize-and-build’ kind of guy. He recalled that he had always thought that since he could fly anything in the world’s airspace, logic would have it that whatever he was flying could also stop flying, maybe with him or his loved ones in it --then what?? So his next focus turned to preserving life by offering the most highly competent aircraft inspection and maintenance service in the Ogden/Salt Lake Valley. That launched his quest for acquisition of his Aircraft Airframe and Powerplant Inspector’s Certificate. Now he could inspect any aircraft ever built. He also received a Powerplant and Airframe Repair Certificate in 1990, in order to properly follow through with repair methods. In order to have the most current repair information at his fingertips, he expanded his business to include an aircraft maintenance software platform for use in private aircraft maintenance, and it has been in use worldwide for years. He maintained, and even built brand new aircraft for more than 15 years at the Ogden Airport until declining health forced his retirement in 2005.
Wolf loved sailing and boating…especially when the fish were biting. But more than flying, boating, fishing, or golfing, he loved camping outings with his ever-expanding family. He most enjoyed the times were when there were too many family members present to be able to cram into one campsite or one boat, or one golf party. He spent much of his quiet time making updates to the boats, the motorhome, his motorcycles and truck, or to the home where there were always family or friends around the kitchen table or out on the patio enjoying a beer. Where he found other “quiet” time to fully restore three old cars, or teach every kid in the family how to fish, or play 18 holes, only his family and friends can explain, but somehow he had time for each and every one of us.
With his declining health, he became increasingly less able to partake in all of the activities he enjoyed with all of the folks he always enjoyed doing them with. He became more dependent on the people he had spent so many years helping, and that bothered him deeply. Until the end, he had the closeness and support of his family, and enjoyed their comfort and chats.
Though the family, friends and acquaintances will deeply miss him, we rest assured knowing that Wolf has slipped the surly bonds of earth, and touched the face of God by way of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Wolf is survived by his wife, Jutta; daughters Sue (Dave) Pierson, Evelyne (Louis) Griffin and Karen Lange; grandchildren Jeremy (Elaine) Warby, Rex (Jessica), Rachael, Jakob and Josh Griffin, Tiffany McGregor and Shelby (Andrea)Pierson; great-grandchildren Kyla and Jace Warby.
Wolf’s surviving family members are three brothers, Norbert Rudschuck and Ruth Graf of Basel, Switzerland; and Joachim (Brigette) Rudschuck, of Hamburg, Germany; and Guenther (Rosie) Lange also of Hamburg, Germany.
A special thanks to the home care attendants, Chaplain and Staff of Hospice Care of Northern Utah.
A very special thank you to grand-daughter-in-law Elaine Warby, whose steadfast tenderness, love and care for Wolf made daily life possible for the entire family during Wolf’s final days.
Memorial Services will be held at 2:00pm Monday, June 21, 2010, at Mountain View Baptist Church, 2585 East 3000 North (Utah S.R. 193), Layton, Utah 84041.
In-lieu of flowers, a contribution to the church or charitable organization of your choice is preferred.
Dad - we will miss you so much! You were a great dad and grandpa to all of us and your will forever be in our hearts. Love you dad
Evelyne (Pleasant View, UT)
Dad - we will miss you so much! You were a great dad and grandpa to all of us and your will forever be in our hearts. Love you dad
Evelyne (Pleasant View, UT)
Dear Dad, I love you and miss you so much. I rest assured that you are safe in the Savior's arms and will see you again one day. Save a place for me. Your loving and ever grateful daughter. Sue
Sue (, )
Wolf you are my best friend and I find myself missing you . The talks we had and my lunch buddy. But I know you are with god now and we will meet again save me a cloud buddy...
Terry (Roy, UT)
Jutta, so sorry for the passing of Wolf. Thanks to the wonderful person you are. They say behind every good man is a good woman and you sure have proved that. So sorry for Eve Sue and Karen for the loss of there father. Also I know the grandchildren and great grand children will dearly miss him. May God Bless all of you. I know Calvin also thought alot of him, and cherrished the times they got to go fishing. Sincerely Dennis and Linda and Family .
Linda Melaney & Family (Layton, Utah)
Du bist nicht allein, auch wenn in diesen schweren Stunden unser Trost nur darin besteht, liebevoll zu schweigen und schweigend mitzuleiden. " Wolf " wir werden immer an dich Denken
Brigitte & Joachim
Brigitte & Joachim Rudschuck (Henstedt-Ulsburg, Germany)
Opa we love you and will miss you very much, you and Oma have done so much for me and my family. You taught me so many things that have made me a better man. Elaine and the kids enjoyed being around you everyday. Thank you foreverything, we will see you again someday.
Jeremy, Elaine, Kyla and Jace Warby (Ogden, Uyah)
Dad,
I'm sorry I was unable to be with you in your final days. I will be forever grateful that I was able to see you one last time and tell you thank you for being such a wonderful father. You raised some very capable daughters and should be very proud of all of our accomplishments. We will all be forever grateful that you were surrounded by your loving family in your final hours; and although I could not physically be there with you, you were always in my prayers. I know you are with our Lord and Savior looking down upon us all. Be proud of what you accomplished in this life, we are all a testament to what a wonderful loving father you were to us all and I know you'll be waiting on the other side to welcome us home to our Lord.
Your loving daughter, Karen
Karen (La Plata, MD)
I sit here in tears, knowing the pain that is felt by your family knowing they won't be with you for now. For the memories and generosity you've shown to all, thank you! Jutta, Sue, Ev and Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. Your strong faith will help you through and you have a strong support system through your faith and your friends and family. I love you all.
Amy Higgs (Roy, UT, )
Knowing Wolfe was on of my pleasures in life and he will be well remebered and appreciated.
Robert Edwards (Ogden, Utah)
I spent many hours with Wolfe over several years. We flew together through the canyons, over the mountains, and in the weather. I remember the day we flew to Jackson Hole WY. I bought a C150 and Wolfe flew up there with me to pick it up. It was snowing hard and turned into another adventure. We shared many adventures during those years. He was my good friend and a fine man. I shall miss him dearly.
Ross E. Ferland (Southport, FL)
We will miss Wolf, Sitting around the airport cafe listening to all his stories. Airport Bums, Phil and Carrie.
The Gibson's (Ogden, UT)
Wolf you were a great friend and I will miss you dearly. Thank you for all the great times and knowledge we all gained from you. I will always remeber the times you took me flying, those were some of the greatest times in my life. I will see you again one day to fly through skies of heaven. Love You Wolf
Calvin Warby (Ogden, Utah)
Our deepest condolences on your the loss of your dad and grandfather. Knowing that he is with our Lord is always a blessing and source of comfort.
Jim and Sandy Vaughan (Hooper, UT)
I knew Wolf in the early 80's. He was an exceptional man, always gracious - really one of a kind. He took me under his wing and I learned a lot from him. I will miss him. My condolences to everyone at this difficult time.
Bart
Bart Hugg (Seattle, WA)
In his waning days, Wolf accepted Christ as his Savior, and His Savior has accepted him with open arms. We will all see him again, when God's time for each of us is realized. What a jubilant day that will be for each of us! I'm sure that the tee time is set; the campsite is set-up and the coffee is sending its pungent "welcome home" aroma through the pines. As we arrive, he'll have his regular big grin, a quick joke and a belly laugh or two, and the talk will turn to the wondrous things that we've been up to. We've got your back, Wolf; all will be cared for --maybe not with your particular sense of perfection-- but we'll get it better as we go. My gratefullness to you Wolf -one dad to another- for your acceptance of your late-comer son-in-law. You've gotta know that I knew you had your eye on me for the first little while; what with marrying one of your favorite gals and all. I appreciated and was truly honored by the trust you saw fit to show in me over time; it will not go to waste. Your ethic has not gone unregarded and I will cherish your friendship and fatherhood the rest of my life. Jutta: you unconditional love for Wolf and your family -and similarly extended so unselfishly to me- is equally humbling and cherished. It is so obvious to me that Wolf couldn't have lived life to the fullest as he did, without you. He too, recognized that, deep in his heart. When your children dream, and could swear they've seen God's face, in a real way, it is yours, superimposed, that they have seen. That is a 'real-time' testament to you, and your walk with our Lord here on earth. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers remain with you, that God will strengthen and inspire you in all you do. Devotion, in Wolf's memory and yours, Dave
Dave (South Weber, Utah)
Mein lieber Bruder Oft haben wir uns nicht gesehen. Als ich 12 Jahre alt war bist du mit deiner Frau Jutta, nach Amerika ausgewandert. Schon länger als 50 Jahre hast du also in Utah gewohnt. Viele Menschen haben dich kennen gelernt, dich geschätzt und geliebt. Ein paar mal war ich Euch in Ogden besuchen. Das letzte mal mit Ruth 2008 zu deinem 70. Geburtstag. Wir hatten noch einmal eine ganz schöne Zeit zusammen. Hab dich zum Golfen mitgenommen und hab dich ins Swimmingpool gehoben. Wir werden diese Ferien bei dir nicht vergessen. In Gedanken wirst du immer in unseren Herzen bleiben. Auch wir werden dich später einmal dort besuchen wo du jetzt bist, also bis dann. See you later Norbert und Ruth Switzerland
Norbert und Ruth (Schweiz, )
Wolf, although we only had the opportunity to meet once at the "mini" family reunion at Sue and Dave's, it was obvious that you were a special man to your family. Our prayers are with your family. Enjoy your hereafter in the light of God!
Loretta and Ricky Canlapan
Loretta and Ricky Canlapan (Kechi, KS)
Wolf, you are finally free. Save a place for me, save some grace for me, I'll be there soon.
Your loving wife, Jutta
Jutta (Ogden, UT)
Wolf, you were such a great friend at the airport. I remember a couple of annuals we did together on that 421 that was hangered south of the tower. The time we test flew a 310 and the gear wouldn't come down, you pulled some real tight pull-ups to get it down and saved me from (****) guess what. When ever Linda would show up you would always say " HI LINDA BABY". When ever you left I would always see the "I FLY 4 U" plate on your car. God bless my friend !!
Tom & Linda Howard (Roy, Utah)
Cousin, Thanks for all you have done for me and taught me. i'm glad I have the memories. Pete
peter bierwolf (clearfield, ut)
Wolf was my private pilot instructor at the Ogden Airport years ago. Although I haven't seen him in years, I have many fond memories of what a wonderful person and gifted instructor he was.
Debra Downs Call
Debra Downs Call (Pleasant View, Utah)
You have touched so many. You and Jutta were always considers as Parents #2 by me and Chris. I will always cherish the memories. Love, Sarah
Sarah Huberty (Stoughton, WI)
He was a great guy. I remember him for the Ogden Airport. He will be missed and remembered.
Ta ma'ra Darnold Elliott (Port Angeles, WA)
It makes me so sad to read of Wolfs passing, I know how hard it is for us remaining here. I miss you and your wonderful personality - God Bless you.
Mona (North Ogden, UT)
Wolf was such a good man. We worked together at the airport in the 70s. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a great pilot. He taught half of Ogden how to fly. I'm sure he's giving the angels pointers now. Jutta, you have good memories to help get through this time of loss.
Jann Ware Cranston (Willard, Ut)
Many prayers and condolences go out to you and your family in this difficult time.
Kimberly Ruetz (Virginia Beach, VA)
Sue & Family: Please accept our condolences for the passing of your father. I'm sure that Wolf is flying for a much better squadron now. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Terry & Karen Wieser (Heber City, Utah)
9MYed3 <a href="http://sfbcjdeimhwo.com/">sfbcjdeimhwo</a>, [url=http://zagpuqwhngkv.com/]zagpuqwhngkv[/url], [link=http://elrmepkuewxw.com/]elrmepkuewxw[/link], http://oudkolfugyvm.com/
ynppfoxr (CBvmrhxitOXUKUXSDf, SMbjfbTCLlTj)
- Home:
- Death Date: June 17, 2010
- Birthdate: July 29, 1938
- Place Of Birth: Elbing Germany
- Service: Memorial Service Monday 2:00 p.m
- Location: Mountain View Baptist Church 2585 East 3300 North, Layton Utah
© Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.