Leon Arthur Lange, 78, of Metamora, IL, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at his home surrounded by family after fighting a courageous but short battle with cancer.

He was born on January 4, 1947, in Jefferson City, MO, to Victor and Gladys (Mittelhauser) Lange. He married Judith A. "Judy" Woltzen on July 8, 1972 in Metamora.

Surviving are his loving wife, Judy of Metamora; one daughter, Jennifer (Seth Lamont) Lange of Albany, NY; two sons, Aaron (Terra) Lange of Metamora and Scott (Kelly Naschert) Lange of Decatur, IL; nine grandchildren, Hannah, John, Elsa, and Tilly Lamont, Weston, Kyler, Dean, and Quintin Lange, and Scarlett Naschert-Lange; brother-in-law, Larry (Donna) Woltzen of Metamora; sister-in-law Karen Lange of Belle, MO; and four nieces and nephews, Chris Lange, Jeanette Lansford, Steve Lange, and Jim Lange along with their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Annie Grace Lange, and brother James Lange.

Leon was a U.S. Marines Reserve Veteran, serving from 1966 – 1972, earning the Expert Rifle Badge. He graduated from the Caterpillar Machinist Apprenticeship in 1972 and had worked as a metallurgical engineer for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 41 years, retiring in 2007 as a senior quality engineer. After retirement, Leon worked as a consultant.

He was a member of the Metamora American Legion Post 89, Society of Metallurgical Engineers, and RiversEdge United Methodist Church in Spring Bay, IL. He was a Cub Scout Master and also a past member of Frank N. Nicole Blue Lodge #1170 in Creve Coeur, IL, the NRA, Whitecap Drifters Boat Club of Peoria, Peoria Skeet and Trap Club, and Woodford County Saddle Club.

Leon was a true outdoors man, enjoying fishing and deer hunting. He enjoyed his many elk hunting trips to Colorado with family and friends. He loved horses and his many travel adventures with his mule, Zak. He was a wonderful handyman and home remodeler. He also restored antique John Deere tractors, a 1950 GMC Truck, and a 1960 Willy Jeep. In his younger years, Leon enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Sportster. Leon traveled many times to China, India, Central/South America, and Europe for work and also enjoyed traveling with Judy to other countries and on cruises. His favorite past time was watching his grandchildren in their sports and other school activities.

The family wishes to thank OSF Hospice, and the nurses and CNAs for the wonderful care given to Leon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Pastor Nicole Cox officiating and with military rites accorded. Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm, also on Friday at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following his service. Burial of Ashes will be held at a later date in Spring Bay Cemetery in Spring Bay, IL. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City OK 73123
Web: https://donate.cancer.org

Charity of the Donor's Choice