John Michael “Jack” Lange

John Michael “Jack” Lange, 19, of Lawrence, KS passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at home on Sunday July 13. Jack, a fifth generation Kansan, was born October 12, 1994 in Lawrence, the son of Mary Pat and Michael D. Lange.

Jack is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Thelma and Virgil Lange of Ellsworth, KS. Survivors include his parents and brother Jared of the home, maternal grandparents Jack and Mary K. Strickland of Kansas City, MO (formerly of Lebanon, MO), Uncles and Aunts Wesley Lange, San Pedro, CA, Jim (Linda) Strickland, St. Louis, MO, Kathy (Jack) Hembree, Liberty, MO, John (Julie) Strickland, Prairie Village, KS, and Michael (Suzy) Strickland, Fort Myers, FL, many cousins and many close friends.

Jack was baptized at Corpus Christi Catholic Church and received sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion there. He attended the Atrium and was confirmed at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence. He was a member of the class of 2007 at Raintree Montessori, 2010 graduate of West Jr. High School, and 2013 graduate of Free State High School in Lawrence. He was attending KU. Jack was a 9 year survivor of a brainstem tumor, which he never let slow him down. He will be remembered for his love of music. He started a band at age 15 called The Faded Age that performed in Lawrence, Topeka, and toured the Midwest. The band was one of 4 Kansas City area bands chosen to perform at The Vans Warped Tour at Cricket Wireless Amphitheater. He wrote music and lyrics. He was the band’s lead singer despite the vocal cord paralysis related to his tumor. The band recorded two CDs. Jack was an avid reader, loved spending time with his close friends, and enjoyed traveling the country with his brother to attend Pokemon card tournaments at the local, state, national and world level.

When Jack was 2 years old, a family friend asked him his name, and in the beautiful voice of a small child he replied, “My name is John, but my friends call me Jack.” He will always be remembered as Jack and everyone’s friend.

A Rosary vigil will take place at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Friday, July 18, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 19 at the church, 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS. Burial will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or the Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma Foundation and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.