Lange, Robert R. 'Bob'

Robert R. “Bob” Lange, 74, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, with Father Phil Thompson presiding. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion. A Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. and a parish vigil service at 5:30 p.m. There also will be visitation one hour before the service at the church. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Military honors will be provided by VFW Post 788 of Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his wife, Phyliss; four children, Terry (Steph) Lange, Tim (Rhonda) Lange, Tracy (Mark) Hammons and Tricia (Ken) Miller; eight grandchildren, Kristina, Dustin, Kelsey, Connor, Nicole, Ciara, Parker and Brooke; two brothers, Skip and Dale Lange; and many loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rena and Joseph Lange; two brothers, Jerry and Joe Lange; and a sister, Elaine Potter.

Bob was born Nov. 29, 1936, to Joseph and Rena (Grassel) Lange, in East Dubuque, Ill. He served in the United States Army as a military policeman. Bob was united in marriage on Oct. 14, 1961, to the love of his life, Phyliss Bennett, in Hazel Green, Wis.

He was a member and active volunteer at St. Pius X Catholic Church. After 36 years working in the bread business, he retired from Metz Baking Co. Bob then joined his wife running the St. Francis Religious Books & Gifts store. He was a member of Teamsters Local 238, VFW Post 788 and Knights of Columbus Council 5390. He was honored to be a 4th Degree Knight and served as the Faithful Navigator for the John R. Gallagher Assembly 3180. This past year Bob missed working the pancake breakfasts and fish fries sponsored by the KCs. He was a member of the Mercy Auxiliary and is fondly remembered by many as a volunteer at the hospital's coffee corner.

Bob was a big man in stature with a generous spirit; he touched many people through his infectious smile, quick wit and warm demeanor. Bob loved the game of golf, playing on the KC and Intermec golf leagues. His wife was his greatest treasure, spending time with his family and grandchildren brought him great joy. After retirement, Bob and Phyliss enjoyed traveling and volunteering; they were blessed with many friends.

The annual family reunion, winter family weekend getaways, and family holiday hop were times he loved most and will always be treasured memories. He endured his illness with dignity and grace; in his final days he was cared for and surrounded by his family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ghosh, the Mercy Hospice team and Father Phil Thompson for their support during this difficult time. We were grateful to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in his final hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Hospice of Mercy, Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy or St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Please sign the online guest book for Bob at  under obituaries.

Published Oct. 21, 2011, in The Gazette