Lange, Kenneth G.

August 7, 1937- February 3, 2022

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Kathy, and his five children, Rita Lampe (David), Peter Lange (Carmina), Ellen Stemmler, Ann Lange Meyer, and Mark Lange (Jill) and his 8 grandchildren, Joe Lampe (Clara), Anna Lampe, Alex Lange, Adam Stemmler, Krista Stemmler, Henry Meyer, William Meyer and Edy Lange. Ken was the only child of the late George T. and Marie A. Lange.

Ken attended Little Flower Catholic grade school and kept in touch with classmates through the years.  He was a graduate of St. Louis University High School and St. Louis University, where he was an active alumnus.  He graduated with a Bachelor degree in Geography and Geology and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning, both from St. Louis University.  He worked as a city planner in the city of St. Louis early in his career, then moved to Kansas City where he worked for the Federal Housing and Urban Development.  In 1973 he moved his family back to St. Louis to work in the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office there.  He held various positions, including Deputy Director and was ultimately promoted to the Director of HUD where he remained until his retirement in 2000.  He was well known and well liked amongst his colleagues, and he worked hard at making good progress in developing more fair housing in the St. Louis region.

Ken was lifetime devoted Catholic who attended Mass daily up until Covid started.  He was passionate about playing golf and played on his high school and college teams and continued to play throughout his lifetime. He was very proud to get his first hole-in-one at age 78.  Ken volunteered for the Burn Unit at Barnes hospital in St. Louis as he was a survivor of an early childhood accident where he was badly burned on his face.  Ken was an active leader and board member with the Criminal Justice Ministry for over 20 years, developing strategies to help persons coming out of prison, particularly related to housing needs. He was active in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, coaching softball, attending their events, and supporting their education.  He was blessed to have five healthy and successful children and eight grandchildren. He would say that was his proudest accomplishment!  After entering Friendship Village independent living in November 2021 and soon after skilled nursing care, all he said he really wanted in his room were photos of his family. He was surrounded by his loved ones till the end.

SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Rd., Monday, February 7, 12:30 pm to Our Lady of Providence Catholic Church for 1:00 PM Mass. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Criminal Justice Ministry or Barnes Jewish Hospital Burn Unit are appreciated. Visitaiton Sunday, 12-4 pm. A KUTIS AFFTON SERVICE.