Gwendolyn Lange

Gwendolyn Mae Lange, 95, of Alta, formerly of Fonda, passed away Feb. 4, 2025, at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, Feb. 8, at 10:30 a.m. at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. Burial will be in Cedar Cemetery in Fonda. Visitation will take place Friday, Feb. 7, from 5-7 p.m. at the church. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements.

Gwendolyn Mae Rubendall was born Dec. 7, 1929, to Merle and Anita (Heesch) Rubendall in Iowa. She was baptized and later confirmed into the Lutheran faith. She graduated with her GED from Fonda Community School.

On May 2, 1947, Gwen was united in marriage to Orville E. Lange in Fort Dodge. They were blessed with three children: Rod, Bill and Pam.

In her earlier years, Gwen enjoyed bowling and roller skating with her husband, Orville. They also enjoyed numerous dances together at the Cobblestone Inn. Gwen was a member of the Fonda and Newell American Legion Auxiliary.

Gwen was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and Kansas City Chiefs fan. She took every opportunity she could to watch sporting events of any kind. Gwen loved being outdoors, especially camping or fishing. Family meant the world to Gwen. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Gwen’s memory include her children: Rod (Connie) Lange of Spirit Lake; Bill (Tammy) Lange of Le Mars; Pam (Brent) Heldt of Dakota Dunes, S.D.; grandchildren: Matt (Kate Rothrock) Lange; Ami Smith; Cassie (Robert) Lindsay; Bethany Rodriguez; Derek Lange; Jacob Lange; Josh (Alisa) Winkel; Felicia (Danny) Caudel; Greta (Nick) Vogeler; Brandon, Brady and Bradford Heldt; great-grandchildren: Melika, DJ, Tegan, Asher, Aniyah, Anthony, Azaila, Elsie, Miles, Carter, Jemma, Ella and Greyson; extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Anita Rubendall; husband Orville Lange; and brothers: Max, Harold and Ronnie Rubendall.