08/14/2026
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lange family and friends as they prepare to celebrate the beautiful life of Harvey.
It is with sadness at our loss and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Harvey Donald Lange on July 26, 2026. Born on April 12, 1930, in Stevens Point, WI, Harvey was a man of deep faith, wisdom, and love whose life touched countless people.
Harvey was the devoted son of the late Albert and Linda Lange and the cherished brother of Arden Lange and the late Eugene and Emert Lange. He was the beloved husband of Carol Ann Schulz, with whom he shared an extraordinary 74 years of marriage. They were married on June 8, 1952, in Milwaukee, WI, and together built a home centered on faith, love, and family.
Harvey and Carol were blessed with six children: Kathy (Paul) Brakke, Ruth (Scott) Sprain, Mary Zbikowski, David (Risë) Lange, Lois (Paul) Rentschler, and Ann (David) Barber. He was a proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, each of whom carries forward his legacy of faith, kindness, and integrity.
A gifted scholar and faithful servant of Christ, Harvey dedicated his life to pastoral ministry and Christian education. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 1955, and after a year of fellowship, he was ordained into the ministry in July 1956 at Faith Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, IL. From 1960 to 1964, he served as pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Cincinnati, OH. He then joined the theology faculty at Concordia University in Seward, NE, where he taught from 1964 to 1977. During that time, he earned his doctoral degree from Concordia Seminary in 1970, reflecting his lifelong commitment to theological scholarship and teaching.
In 1978, Harvey returned to parish ministry as pastor of Brookfield Lutheran Church in Brookfield, WI, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 1992. Retirement did not slow his ministry. Harvey and Carol moved to Indianapolis, where they continued to serve, encourage, and enrich their church and community.
Harvey and Carol shared a love of travel and learning that became one of the great joys of their family life. They visited many parts of the world together, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. One favorite family memory was their eight-week camping trip across Europe in 1970, traveling by Volkswagen camper bus to many of the continent's major capital cities. Every summer, Harvey and Carol loaded the family into the car for driving vacations to explore historic cities, museums, and the natural beauty of God's creation. Those adventures inspired in their children a lifelong love of travel, curiosity, appreciation for God's world, and the joy of spending time together.
Faith was the foundation of Harvey's home. Family dinners ended each evening with devotions, reminding his children that Christ was at the center of daily life. Harvey also nurtured a love of music, encouraging his children to develop their singing voices and commit Christian hymns and songs to memory. His love of sacred music became a treasured gift passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Christmas was especially meaningful to Harvey. Every year, the family gathered for several days filled with laughter, fellowship, and wonderful meals. Harvey made time at every gathering for family worship, Christmas carols, and the reading of the Christmas story. His thoughtful reflections on the birth of Christ reminded his family that the true joy of Christmas—and of life itself—is found in the Savior.
Harvey and Carol were also known for their generous hearts. They faithfully supported numerous Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod educational institutions and mission organizations. They were especially honored to be founding sponsors of the Center for Liturgical Art at Concordia University in Seward, a lasting expression of their commitment to Christian education and worship.
Harvey's life was a testament to unwavering faith, devoted service, intellectual curiosity, and abiding love for his family. Though he has departed this earthly life, his example will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be remembered always as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, pastor, and faithful servant of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
