Frances “Fran” M. Lange, 80, of Minden, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at her home after a courageous battle with COPD. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Minden Opera House with Kevin Hind officiating. Private family inurnment will be held prior to services at the Minden Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Memorials in Fran’s honor are kindly suggested to the Minden Volunteer Fire Department, Minden Public Schools for lunch assistance, or to Minden United Methodist Church Ladies. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Frances “Fran” Mae Lange was born on November 8, 1945, in Mountain Home, Idaho to Lois G. Geddes. She grew up and attended school in Albion, Columbus, and Ravenna; graduating from Ravenna High School in 1964.

She was united in marriage to Bryce Feldman on May 31, 1964, in Ravenna and to this union, two children were born: Jodi Lynn and Bradley Dean. The family made their home in Hazard, Rockville and Ravenna where she was helped on the farm. The couple later divorced.

Fran was united in marriage to the love of her life, Dennis W. Lange, on June 21, 1975, in Gibbon and to this union one child, Joshua Wayne, was born. The family made their home in Minden and Streator, IL. She loved working on the farm with Denny and raising Gelbvieh cattle and even a pair of ostriches together.

She was a member of the Methodist church in Hazard, Streator, IL, and most recently Minden. She volunteered as a soccer coach and scout leader when her kids were young; and was a member of Sweet Adelines. She loved to sing and spent many years singing in the church choir.

Fran lived her life around the people she cherished most; her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly the light in her life. She showed all of them what true love and dedication looked like, especially in the gentle care she gave Denny throughout his life.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Brad (Alicia) Feldman of West Des Moines, IA, and Josh Lange of Minden; daughter, Jodi (Kevin) Hinds of North Platte; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; stepbrothers, Billy Jo Spiegel of Central City and Jim (Kathy) Spiegel of Kearney; stepsisters, Terry (Steve) Thompson of St. Edward, Patti (Brian) Saltzman of Albion, and Gay (Jerome) Drozd of Genoa; mother-in-law, Verla Lange of Minden; long time best friend, Alli Lempka; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Denny in 2024; mother, Lois Spiegel in 1954; sister, Karen Scheffler in 2014; father-in-law, Wayne Lange in 2010; and stepfather, Bill Spiegel in 2026.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.