John J. Lange (67) of Effingham

John J. Lange, 67, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 6 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church and also from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Thursday prior to the funeral mass at the church. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made in loving memory of John to Crossroads Cancer Center, Attn: Infusion Center, 905 Medical Park Drive, Effingham, IL 62401, or donor’s choice.

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John was born on September 17, 1949, in Effingham, IL, the son of Paul T. “Red” and Dorothy Nell (Boos) Lange, the year of the St. Anthony’s Hospital fire, so his mother gave birth at Marshall Clinic. He was baptized in St. Anthony Catholic Church and is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1967 and graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1972. John began his long career with the Effingham Police Department in 1972, working patrol for a little over a year before serving as a detective for 24 years. He completed numerous trainings and certifications throughout his law enforcement career, which included attending the FBI academy in Quantico. He was hired as the Police Chief of Effingham City Police Department in 1993 and retired in 2003. John played a key role in bringing the emergency number 9-1-1 to Effingham County in 2000. John also worked part-time as an instructor for Lake Land College teaching Criminal Justice. After retirement with the Police Department, he worked for Lake Land College Police Department, was the Interim Chief of Police for Salem Police Department, worked with the American Red Cross, and at the Senior Center driving the senior bus, which he enjoyed very much. John was elected Mayor of the City of Effingham and served from 2007-2011.

Over the years, John was on the Board of the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce Board, Treasurer for the Emergency Telephone System Board, a member of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, a member of the FBINAA, NENA, APCO International, NRA, SILEC, Elks, Knights of Columbus, Rotary, and Kiwanis. John enjoyed men’s softball and belonged to couples bowling league in his younger years. He also loved golfing, playing cards, and playing the slot machines. He was an avid Cubs fan, and loved spending time with his family and traveling with his fiancée, Jodi.

John is survived by his fiancée, Jodi Moomaw of Effingham; sons, Aaron Lange and Shawn Lange, both of Effingham; grandson, Kolten Lange of Effingham and Jodi’s son, Kyle Moomaw of Effingham; sisters, Susie (Brent) Hayes of Effingham and Mary (David) Sanders of Chatham; brother-in-law, John Schmitz of Charleston; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul “Red” and Dorothy Lange; and sister, Diane Schmitz.