John Prange

A life well lived was ended with the death of John Prange, 84, on February 19, 2018 surrounded by his wife and children. His loss will be felt by all who knew and were touched by his caring nature and love of life. John was born in Sheboygan, WI to Milford and Ella (Jurss) Prange in 1933. The family moved to Sturgeon Bay, WI in 1935. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School and attended Lawrence University. After graduating from college in 1956, he entered the Air Force. A lifelong dream was fulfilled when he graduated from flight school. After leaving the service as a First Lieutenant in 1959, he began his career in retail at Dayton's Department store in Minneapolis, MN. In 1963 he returned to Wisconsin to join the H.C. Prange Co. where he was a Vice President and Store Manager in several communities until 1992. In addition, he served as a member of the Board of Directors of First Wisconsin of Wausau. John was committed to the betterment of his community and left a legacy of civic leadership and volunteerism. He was a member of the Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce from 1974 to 1981 and served as President from 1979 to 1980. He was a board member and President of Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Family Counseling Services Board. As a United Way volunteer, he was a Division Co-Chairman and Loaned Executive. He diligently promoted the development of the Wausau Center and as President of the Marathon County Civic Corporation, he worked tirelessly with local and state representatives to ensure the ongoing existence of a ski area at Rib Mountain State Park. John loved to ski. He was part of the Sturgeon Bay ski team. They were the first Sturgeon Bay team ever to go to state. Not only did they go, they won!!! Later in life he was a medalist in the Badger State Games. If you ski, you may celebrate his life by skiing down the run named in his honor, Prange's Glade at Granite Peak. He was an avid sailor, always challenging the waves of Lake Michigan. He also relished his time as a pilot, remaining fascinated with aeronautics throughout his life. What he cherished the most was the time spent at his family cabin in Door County with family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Anne Prange; one daughter, Mary Lou (Jim) Prange-Jones, and two sons John Prange and former spouse Karin Klarer, and Robert (Heidi) Prange; also four grandchildren; Will, Neil, Jackson and Hannah Prange and numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his sister, Pam Peterson and his brother, Phil Prange. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, at Brainard Funeral Home - Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams Street. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity or the charity of your choice. Brainard Funeral Home - Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.