FORDYCE — Linus William Lange, 91, Fordyce, died surrounded by family Jan. 30, 2026, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Feb. 6, at 11 a.m., at Holy Family (Sts. Peter and Paul) Catholic Church, Bow Valley, with the Rev. Jim Keiter officiating.

Burial will be at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Bow Valley.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Kaio Uhing, Jacob Zimmerman, Kyle Potratz, Chad Uhing, Matthew Nelson, William Potratz and Derek Nelson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Linus’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Sts. Peter & Paul, from 5-8 p.m., with a Vigil service at 7 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Linus William was born Dec. 27, 1934, in Fordyce, to Edward J. and Theresa M. (Kleinschmit) Lange. He grew up on the family farm between Fordyce and Bow Valley. His first eight years of schooling were at District 108 Country School, ninth and tenth grades in Fordyce and eleventh and twelfth grades at Holy Trinity High School in Hartington, graduating in 1952. Linus grew up farming with his Dad, worked at Gavin’s Point Dam and helped to build Highway 12. Linus married June Eileen Schulte Feb. 4, 1967, in Bow Valley. He continued to farm, sold Vigortone Feed and milked cows until retirement. His children grew up learning the values and lessons of the farm life. Linus and June also ran a rural mail route for many years.

Linus was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church Choir and parish council, Bow Valley Plow Boys Choir, he led the rosary before Masses and was devoted to his weekly holy hour. He was a school board member of East Catholic and Cedar Catholic Schools and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Linus served on the Cedar Security Bank board for 50 years. He was a committed blood donor with 10 + gallons donated over the years. He was a proud member of the Bow Valley Park Association and Schuetzenfest Honor Guard. He loved to go snagging for spoonbill on the Missouri River. He was an avid member of a rotating Sheepshead card club and later enjoyed both Pinochle and Sheepshead at the Hartington Senior Center. Linus was a seasoned gardener who loved to can his produce. He made open jar dill pickles in large crocks, which were a family favorite. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they will forever remember their tractor rides and playing games with Grandpa.

Linus is survived by six children and spouses, Laura (Jay) Zimmerman, LaVista; Christa (Bill) Uhing, Logan, Iowa; Diane (Mike) Nelson, Coleridge; Jodi (Tim) Salvatori, Omaha; Amy (Zane) Potratz, Spearfish, S.D.; and John (Sheila) Lange, Fordyce; 22 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeannie Schieffer, Crofton; brother, Edward (Bernadette) Lange, Hartington; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Lange, Fordyce.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 53 years, June; infant son, Lester; sisters, Rainaldes (Harold) Schulte, Sylvia (Leander) Loecker, Colette (Jerry) Koch, Theresa (James) Stappert and Dianne Lange OSB; brother, Marvin Lange; and brother-in-law, Loren Schieffer.

In Lieu of flowers, the family will direct monetary gifts to East & West Catholic School, Bow Valley, and the Sts. Peter & Paul tuck pointing project.