Last week, I made a phone call to try and arrange a trip for my family to sing Christmas carols at The Lange Home. For the first time, I was asked if I could provide some Christmas music at their annual Christmas party. I assembled a handful of local musicians who enjoyed playing music with me for their Christmas party last week. Lange’s has always been very special to my family and we have been visiting the home to share music with the residents regularly since I was a small child (early 1970’s). My older siblings started visiting Lange’s in the late 1950’s.

 

   I remember how our large group of 20 to 30 from South Santiago Lutheran Church would file in the country style farm house at Lange’s and the residents would work their way to the main room, anticipating the music we were about to share. Sometimes our group would also read scripture with the folks. They were so grateful for visitors and it was so obvious our time together brought them joy. We looked forward to visiting and came to know many of the residents. For example, Florence would request “O Little Town of Bethlehem” even if it was July. Andrew shook your hand so fiercely after the singing we could almost hear the bones in our hands crack. Every resident was special.

 

 After we shared the gift of music, each of us got to select a full size candy bar. That got our attention!

 

Lange’s Nursing Home has been carrying on the legacy of founder Rosa Lange for over 60 years. Rosa Lange had a vision of helping the less fortunate. She and her husband Edward Lange purchased 90 acres in Santiago Township in 1911 on the property that later would become the Lange Home (1954).

 

Rosa lost her husband, Edward, at a young age and took over the job of both father and mother to their five children: Louise, Edward, Robert, Rosella and Loretta. Rosa shared with her children a story about a splendid new hat she saw on display in a millinery store. She decided she wanted the hat desperately and decided to save for it. But when the time came to purchase the hat, she changed her mind as the cost was $3 and that was a weeks’ pay for the work she did sewing. She couldn’t bring herself to use all of her money on a single hat, no matter how lovely it was.

 

Rosa worked extremely hard. Her faith was very important to her and after caring for many ill, aging people in her life, she decided her ministry and vocation in life would be caring for others. At first, she took care of all the residents at Lange’s Nursing Home herself, in addition to all regular housekeeping chores and cooking. She added help in short order because there was so much work to be done. Operating the Lange Home was a demanding profession since it was seven days a week.

 

Rosa had many physical ailments over the years, but they didn’t slow her down for long. She was a wonderful cook. Even at the age of 90, she often could be found in the early morning hours baking at least 6 pies for her “family”. She considered the residents her family. What a blessing.

 

When she died, Rosa left a special legacy. She spent most of her life working seven days a week and never had a vacation during her lifetime. After her death, her daughter Rosella (Lange) Graning took over at Lange’s for many years leading up to her passing.             

 

Founder Rosa Lange’s children and grandchildren have all helped at the nursing home over the years. Currently, Susan Peterson, Karen Cox and Buster Graning, as well as some of Rosa’s grandchildren are employed there.

 

The Lange Home differs from traditional nursing homes by providing a homey atmosphere in a rural setting. In it’s early years, the home had chickens and other poultry roaming freely about the yard and a large garden. Residents helped with gardening and chores. Currently, you will find peacocks and donkeys. There is a nice wood shop the residents enjoy and daily activities are offered.  

 

The Duelm Christian Mothers and South Santiago Ladies Aid have helped for many years with daily activities including playing bingo with the residents.

 

They also bring gifts to the residents every year at Christmas. The Clear Lake Lions and Lioness mail birthday cards to every resident.

 

The Becker Lions have treated the residents from The Lange’s Home to a Christmas dinner every year since 1980. Lions member Kurt Anderson told me: “I really enjoy when we arrive at Lange’s Home to pick up the folks. The residents are so excited to get out. You can see the joy in their faces. I’ve attended the annual Christmas party almost every year since it was started around 1980 by Jerry Cox.” After the residents go out for the meal, the Lions go back to the nursing home and treat the residents to a visit from Santa and hand out fruit baskets to each of them.

 

Rosa Lange would be pleased at how her special legacy continues at Lange’s Home.