William Francis Lange, cherished husband, father and grandfather, passed away October 9, 2026 at the age of 91. Married to Joanne Therese (nee Neustedter) for 54 years, Bill was the proud father of Dorothy Mary (John Whelan), David William (Sara Krizan) and Joel Martin (Catherine). Grandpa loved his grandchildren Liam, Sean, Monique, Matthew, Jacob andContinue Reading
Watch TributeWilliam Francis Lange, cherished husband, father and grandfather, passed away October 9, 2026 at the age of 91.
Married to Joanne Therese (nee Neustedter) for 54 years, Bill was the proud father of Dorothy Mary (John Whelan), David William (Sara Krizan) and Joel Martin (Catherine). Grandpa loved his grandchildren Liam, Sean, Monique, Matthew, Jacob and Noah. He was also an athlete, Catholic priest, teacher, union leader, journalist and a human-rights activist.
Bill was born on March 18, 1935, in the suburbs of Chicago to Bud Lange and Mary Frances (nee Kennelly). Raised by Mary and a village of Langes, Bill and his brothers John and Jim grew up dedicated to each other, the church and the Chicago White Sox. He ran track and boxed for Fenwick High School and later took his talents to the Marquette University boxing team–and the classroom.
Graduating from Marquette University in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Bill served in the US Army until he was called home to take care of his family. He worked for a handful of years in Chicago until he received the calling to serve God and his community. He entered the Studium to become a Dominican priest in the early 1960s and was ordained a priest in 1971.
Bill chose to join the Dominican congregation in Cochabamba, Bolivia, shortly after being ordained. He worked as a chaplain in the local hospital. His life changed in Bolivia when he met Joanne, a Dominican nun from Milwaukee. They fell in love, left religious life, married and began their lives together. He taught sociology and philosophy at the local university and Joanne worked as a school counselor at the Methodist school. They established a home and brought Dori into the world.
Bill and Joanne decided to move to Milwaukee a year later when they were expecting David. With Dori in hand and a Bolivian rug (which still decorates their Wauwatosa apartment), they made the trek to Milwaukee in late 1974. Bill’s mother Mary and stepfather Francis, and Joanne’s parents welcomed the young and growing family home. David was born four months after they arrived. Then Joel arrived two years later and their family was complete–for the time being.
Bill was a tireless advocate for worker and human rights. For 17 years, he worked at Briggs & Stratton and was a member of Local 232, the union representing workers. He then worked with the Milwaukee County Labor Council encouraging the faith community to advocate for worker rights. In recent years, Bill and Joanne led the New Sanctuary Movement for Voces de la Frontera. As a part of his advocacy work, Bill wrote a blog covering topics from immigration, to worker rights and faith. He and Joanne were regular participants at the vigil honoring George Floyd on Vliet Street and Hawley Road. They also joined the Jericho Walk, a weekly protest at the ICE office downtown.
In retirement, Bill enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren, whom he adored, travelling to see them in London and San Francisco always with golf clubs in tow.
In our culture and society that casts people aside, Bill taught us to love without condition. In prayer, he walked the picket line for health insurance; he fought for immigrant rights; he refused food in protest of the catholic church’s abuse scandals; he enjoyed both marriage ceremonies and receptions. Bill and Joanne’s door was always open, their kitchen had food for you and their arms were open for hugs.
Preceded in death by brother John Lange, step brother Mac McNabb and brother-in-law Lee Neustedter.
The family thanks the caregivers who made Bill’s last months comfortable, and the friends and family who supported him and Joanne during that time.
In lieu of flowers and if you have means, please donate to the St. Ben’s Meal Program or Voces de la Frontera. More importantly, share a meal with someone in need. Thank someone who provides for you. Treat all as family. “For it is in giving we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
A celebration of life will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 1937 North Vel R. Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 29, 2026. Visitation from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM. Mass at 10:30 AM.
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