Jo Ann Lange

Jo Ann Elizabeth Lange, age 85, Wausau, passed away on February 8, 2021, at Rennes Health and Rehab Center, Weston.

Jo Ann was born December 1, 1935, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to the late Henry J. and Helen (Zielesch) Litzer. A graduate from Wausau Senior High School in 1953 she then married Arnold G. Lange on June 30, 1956, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Wausau. After dedicating time to raising her four children, Jo Ann started her working career in banking and later was the Program Coordinator for Wausau Family Practice Residency, retiring in 1998.

A devoted Lutheran, Jo Ann was a Sunday school teacher and a member of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELCA). In her retirement, both Jo Ann and Arnie were volunteers for Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Marathon County Faith in Action. They were avid travelers together visiting 48 of the 50 states in their RV as well as venturing overseas on a three week Scandinavian tour and several Caribbean cruises as well as Hawaii. Jo Ann believed in angels and was a collector of angels. Additionally, she enjoyed knitting, reading, but most of all spending time with her family.

Jo Ann is survived by her husband of 64 years, Arnie, of Wausau; her children, Jamie (Tom Campbell) Stearman, Springfield, MO, Jolene (Charles) Goralski, Weston, WI, Dr. Ross (Victoria) Lange, Wausau, WI, and Jennifer (Clay Vajgrt) Lange. She is further survived by grandchildren, Justin, Jordan, and Jaron Goralski, Marissa, Alexander, Rachael, and Nicholas Lange, and Chloe’ Vajgrt; and great-grandchildren, Marlowe and Juniper Goralski. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Ahdene (Dean), Clayton (Jack), Lyle, and Pastor Daniel Litzer as well as other relatives.

Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Services assisted the family with arrangements. All services will be held at our sister chapel, Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street, Wausau. Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021, at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams St., Wausau. Pastor Jen Hoffman of St. Stephen Lutheran Church will officiate. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Masks and social distancing will be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Stephen Lutheran Church.

The family wishes to thank the angels of Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Rennes Health and Rehab Center and Interim Home Health Hospice Care.