Jack's love of flying influenced his entire life. During WWII, he flew 58 combat missions, including participating in the invasion of southern France. Back in his home town after leaving the Army Air Corp, Jack flew as a corporate pilot and started and ran the Seneca Airport for five years. He found his future life partner in Marien "Sandy" Eileen Sandieson while she was looking for a cross-country flight instructor. They married May 29, 1950. They moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1952 where they were eventually joined by sons John and Peter.
In 1978, he and Sandy made Fort Collins, Colorado their home. Jack spent thirty years flying as a commercial pilot for United Airlines. After retiring, he returned to his other passion--woodworking. However, his love of flying never abated. He co-built an award-winning airplane after which he started building another airplane. He also was a Flight Leader with the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program.
Jack is survived by his son Peter (Wendy) Lange, grandchildren David Lange, Katie (Ross) Billings and Megan Lange, great-grandchildren Talia, Alani, Austin, Dallen, Cole, Liam, and Jaden, brother Carl Lange, nieces, grand nieces, nephews, and grand nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy, his beloved son, John, sisters Grace, Alyce, and Joan, brother Arthur, and his parents.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday July 3, 2019, 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church, 305 E Elizabeth Street, Fort Collins, CO. Interment will take place in Franklin, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the EAA's Young Eagles Program, Habitat for Humanity, the Fort Collins Sertoma Club, or to the Sandy Lange Music Fund at St. John's Lutheran Church.
