Diane Lange

NAPLES, FL—Diane Marie (Nagel) Lange, 71, passed away May 19, 2023. Diane was born to Robert E. and Mary Jane Nagel on Dec. 10, 1951 in Aurora, IL. She was raised on farms in Wheaton and Sugar Grove, IL. She graduated from Rosary High School in Aurora, and received her Bachelor and Masters degrees (in Special Education/Education and Educational Administration) from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. She taught students with Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders at the Junior High and High School levels in Joliet, for seven years. The majority of her educational career (24 years) was spent in educational administration, notably in the Wilmington #209U school district as Special Education Supervisor and Principal at both the Elementary and Middle School levels. She also served as an Adjunct Professor for Governors’ State University as well as Student Teaching Coordinator for Eastern Illinois University.
Diane fought cancer valiantly for years. She was originally diagnosed with Sarcoma in 1981. Later she had breast cancer three times, basal cell carcinomas nine times, melanoma skin cancer, and lastly Stage 4 lung cancer (without ever smoking) In 2019, she was diagnosed with TP-53, or Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, which is a rare disorder that predisposes carriers to cancer development.
On June 20, 1987, she married “the love of her life”, Brian E. Lange. Together, they provided a warm and comforting home to Brian’s son, Jim. In addition to living in Minooka and Channahon, they enjoyed their summer homes at the Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, MO. After retiring, they moved to Naples, FL.
Diane was an avid reader, loved playing cards and Mah Jongg, as well as doing needlecraft. Together with Brian, they enjoyed traveling and boating.
In addition to Brian, she is survived by her stepson Jim (wife Ali) from Chesterfield, MO and her loving granddaughters Jordyn and Casey (who lovingly called her “Omi”). She is also survived by her sisters, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. Personally and professionally, she touched so many people’s lives and will be missed by all that knew her.
Per Diane’s request, there will be no memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Matthew’s House of Naples, Florida or to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.