Mary Lea Lange

WAUNAKEE-Mary Lea Lange (Scheuerell), age 78, lost her short but courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, July 15, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born on December 27, 1944, to the late Robert and Bertha (Ripp) Scheuerell, and graduated from Waunakee High School in 1963. She married Herman Lange Jr. in 1964, and together they had three sons. 

Mary held several jobs throughout her life.  Most notably, she worked as a dental assistant, a supervisor at Oscar Mayer, and as a line worker and supervisor at Marshall Erdman and Associates. She retired from Marshall Erdman after 23 years. Post-retirement, Mary attended Madison College and earned her diploma in Culinary Arts. Following her graduation, Mary worked at Piggly Wiggly for 8 years as a Dessert Specialist decorating many cakes.

Mary’s love of life was as contagious as her smile. She spent the majority of her life taking care of others. She loved sharing her love of cooking, baking, and decorating cakes along with traveling, visiting with friends and family, and entertaining.  Her home was always open to anyone. Mary’s house was always especially full on Waunafest weekends, and her Waunafest gatherings were always like a family reunion each year. She was particularly fond of her trip to Germany and loved sharing memories of it. Mary was also an accomplished seamstress making clothes, doing alterations, and creating the best Halloween costumes.

Mary is survived by her three sons: Rick (Pam), Randie (Tina), and Rustie (Keri) Lange, six grandchildren: Christopher, Jonah, Zach, Sarah (Heiman), Kyra and Dalaney and 2 great-grandchildren: Ryleigh and Violet. She is also survived by her sister, Betty (Pete) Miller and brothers, Robert (Susan) Scheuerell, Tom (Laura) Scheuerell, and Joe (Cheryl) Scheuerell.   In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews, and many amazing friends, especially her “best friend in the whole wide world” Jackie (Jim) McGinnity.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Herman, and her two sisters—Pat Haen and Nancy Smith.

A very special thank you to her niece, Tabitha, for all of her wisdom and guidance during Mary’s illness.  Also, thank you to family and friends (including so many wonderful neighbors) who, through their kindness and generosity, assisted Mary and her family during her brief illness.

A Memorial service will be held on Thurs. Aug. 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St John’s Catholic Church 209 South St Waunakee. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. A Reception will follow at the Legion Hall in Waunakee.

The family would also like to thank all Agrace staff for their compassionate care.  We simply cannot say enough about the amazing care they provided.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider making a donation in Mary’s name to Agrace Hospice.

Winn-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service

5785 Highway Q

Waunakee, WI 53597

(608)849-4513