Howard Lange
Howard Lange, 88, lifelong resident of Grassy Butte, N.D., passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, N.D.
Howard was born January 14th, 1929, to Charles F. and Nora (Esby) Lange. He attended Boehm school through the 8th grade, doing 7th & 8th grade the same year, followed by Killdeer High School class of 1947. A hunting accident at the start of his high school days set him back a bit but couldn’t keep him down. His dad bought him a leather tool kit to keep him occupied while healing up. Leather-working stayed with him throughout the rest of his life. The chaps and bridles he made are owned by friends and family in almost every state from Canada down to Arizona.
Around 1948, Howard was a teacher at the Maverick Flats School west of Grassy Butte. When asked how long he taught, he would always chuckle and say, “3 months and 3 weeks”. In the 40’s - 50’s, he worked on the family ranch and also helped Fettigs move stock around to different rodeos. In the mid to late 50’s, he worked at Theodore Roosevelt National Park as a maintenance man and was also a charter member of the Badlands Saddle Club. At the club, he helped produce and also competed in the rodeos including team tying with his future father in-law Ben Baye.
In 1962, he married Betty Baye raising two boys, Bennie and Howard J. They loved their life on their badlands ranch, through good years and bad. In the nineties, they started being “snow birds” going to Arizona for a few months every year. As long as Howard could be around horses, he was happy.
Howard was a past director of the McKenzie County Grazing Association, a McKenzie County School Board member of District 13, and McKenzie County Fair Board member. He was honored by the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association for his many, many years as a livestock brand inspector.
He is survived by his two sons, Bennie (Beth) Lange of Grassy Butte, and Howard (JoAnne) Lange of Scottsdale, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Bridger, Laura, BriAnne, and Sierra Lange; Sister Ruth Geinert of Valley City.
He was preceded in death by his wife Betty; parents, Charlie and Nora; and brother Oliver. Howard was a great Dad and Granddad and will be greatly missed.
His funeral arrangements are with Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, N.D.
His funeral service was held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City. Pastor Rob Favorite officiated.
Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com