| Graduation Year | Class of 1966 |
| Date of Passing | Apr 17, 2019 |
| About | John Eldon Lange Jr., 70, of Yakima died Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Cottage in the Meadow. John was born in Yakima on May 13, 1948 to Dorothy and John Lange Sr. of Yakima. While attending high school he worked for the Red Apple Grocery Store and graduated from Eisenhower High School Class of 1966. Enlisting as a volunteer in the U.S. Army on March 24, 1967, John served in the 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, CO D, 1st of the 5th, 1st Air Calvary. After basic training he was sent to Vietnam in August 1967 and served during the Tet Offensive and in locations in the field near Utah Beach, Da Nang, Hue, Quang Tri and Khe Sanh. John returned from Vietnam in August 1968 and was honorary discharged on March 21, 1969. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal with one Bronze Service Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. After being discharged from the Service he worked as an Assistant Manager for Safeway Grocery Stores for several years, then went on to work for Equipment Unlimited as well as Blueline Manufacturing Company. John was a father who provided life, pledged support by being the biggest cheerleader, gave mental and physical strength, and was an amazing caregiver. Jamie was blessed to be able to rekindle her relationship with her Dad before the cancer stole away the opportunity. Through this, she was able to experience his heart and witness how he was a father to others as well. The love and support he provided for his adoring wife, the way he shared about family, and the way he opened his arms and heart for Jamie and her family. Because of this, John was able to get to know and spend family time with his grandchildren. John also enjoyed spending time outdoors, including fishing and camping, especially with his father. John Jr. was preceded in death by his father John Sr., his grandparents and great-grandparents. John Jr. is survived by his mother Dorothy Lange, his wife Julie Lange and his three siblings: Sharon Base and husband Norman, Sandra Joyal and partner Robin Gangle, and Rick Lange and wife Kathy, all of Yakima; four children: Sheila (Lange) Briggs, Jamie (Lange) Zeller and husband Jason, all of Yakima; Shelby Lange of Spokane, and Thomas and wife Juliette Neumeyer of Kennewick; several grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. John also had a special relationship with his cousin, George Capps Jr. Special thanks are given to siblings Sharon Base and Sandra Joyal and nephew Mike Maloney for their countless hours of help in the final months of John’s life as well as Cottage in the Meadow in his final days. Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 379, 118 S. 5th Ave., Yakima, WA at 2:00 PM. At John’s request, in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association at https://www.dav.org. Arrangements by Valley Hills Funeral Home. |
