IRENE MARIE LANGE

With deep sadness and immense gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Irene Marie McDougall Lange, who passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 83. 

Born on February 15, 1943, in Manitoba, Canada, Irene lived a life rooted in faith, love, hard work, generosity, and devotion to family and friends. At just 16 years old, while working in a café in Winnipeg serving lunches, she met the love of her life, Dieter Lange, who came in every day to eat. Their love story lasted more than six decades, span- ning countries, adventures, and generations. 

Together they built a remarkable life. After welcoming their three sons in Canada, they packed their dreams into a Mercedes with a small 4-foot trailer and immigrated to Riverside, California in 1964. In 1969, they welcomed their only daughter, Christine

In 1971, with determination and family support including Dieter's brother Joe, a skilled bricklayer - they literal- ly built their family home brick by brick on four acres of land. The property became more than a home; it became a family farm filled with fresh milk, eggs, livestock, and memories. Family life was rich with hard work, laughter, and traditions. With Dieter's father Gustav, a butcher by trade, the back patio even transformed into a family butcher shop during harvest time. In 1980 after studying very hard, Irene and Dieter took the test and became U.S. citizens. Irene embraced homemaking with pride and extraordinary skill. A gifted cook, she learned to prepare all the German dishes her husband loved, blending traditions from her French Canadian heritage with German family recipes. Her kitchen was the heart of the family, and generations of children and grandchildren looked forward to Oma's cooking, especially her beloved Streusel Kuchen. 

She was known for her warm smile, friendly spunky spirit, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her home was the gathering place for family and friends alike— the grandchildren adored helping Oma bake cookies and Streusel Kuchen, or running outside with Opa to ride the tractor. 

Faith remained an important foundation throughout Irene's life. She was an active part of both the Lutheran Church community and later Harvest Christian Fellowship, where faith and friendships continued to grow. 

Alongside Dieter, Irene enjoyed a rich social life and belonged to many organizations and clubs, including The Li- oness Club, Model T Club, Model A Club, and the 5th Wheel Club. She especially cherished time spent with "The Ladies Who Lunch." Together with her husband, she traveled extensively across the country in their RV, creating lifelong friendships and memories. Family and friends knew well the annual adventures to places like Lompoc, Quartzsite, Pismo Beach, and Silver Lake, along with many other destinations through the years. They also served as support crews for the Baker to Vegas Relay, embracing the friendships and sense of community that came with these experiences. Irene also gave back through efforts such as collecting pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, always finding ways to help others. 

Irene had a wonderful sense of humor and her own unique way with words — the kind of little expressions family members smile about forever. She might ask for “Lip-stip" instead of lipstick or talk about going to "Wall-mark” in- stead of Walmart. Those endearing sayings became part of who she was and remain treasured memories for those who loved her. 

Above all, Irene's greatest joy was family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Dieter Lange; her children Benny (wife Bonnie), Larry (wife Molly), Dennis (wife Shelly), and Christine; her sister Doreen Larson and husband Stan; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grand- children; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, hospitality, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in every family gathering, every homemade meal, every RV trip, every act of hospitality, every story shared around the table, and every laugh over one of her unique expressions. She showed us how to build a home, nurture a family, support a community, and love unconditionally. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. 

The family takes comfort in knowing she is now reunited with loved ones gone before her and resting in the presence of the Lord she faithfully believed in. 

"A life measured not by years, but by the love shared with family and friends.” 

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 11am at Olivewood Memorial Park, Riverside, California.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

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