Justin Jon Lange

Rock Valley, IA: Justin Jon Lange, 40, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died unexpectedly at his home in Rock Valley on Monday, September 4, 2023. A funeral service will be held Friday, September 8, at 11:00 AM at Carmel Reformed Church of rural Rock Valley with Rev. Mark Heijerman officiating. The service can be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/carmelreformedchurch/live_videos/?ref=page_internal. Burial will follow at Carmel Cemetery. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Thursday, September 7, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

   Memorials may be directed to Hope Haven (https://www.hopehaven.org/) or Special Olympics Iowa (https://www.soiowa.org/).

   Justin Jon Lange was born June 15, 1983, to Glenn and Cheryl Lange. Justin held a special place in the hearts of many. He was an innocent, sweet soul, who through no fault of his own was burdened with a rare health condition known as Mowat-Wilson Syndrome. Though he was nonverbal, he had a zest for life, giving a grin or low chuckle to those who knew him best. Justin spent his early years living at the family farm southwest of Rock Valley. Justin loved spending time with his family and playing with his toy tractors.

   At the age of 3, Justin started attending school at River Valley School. He continued his education with River Valley until his late teens, when he started special education in Sheldon, Iowa. Around the age of 10, he learned to ride horses on a specially made saddle, with the help of Kenny Sandbulte, a close family friend.

   Justin enjoyed taking frequent road trips to see his brother and sisters play sports, the best part of these trips was the popcorn his parents would buy for him. One of his favorite past-times was listening to music and dancing with his sisters. His face would light up while spinning on the dance floor. Most Sunday mornings, you would find Justin sitting between his parents at church, holding each of their hands. He was a member of the Carmel Reformed Church.

   At the age of 19, Justin met what would soon become his second family, at the group home. Justin forged many close relationships with his fellow residents and caretakers. He will be dearly missed by them all. Justin had a very active social life. Over the years, he would often be spotted around town eating at restaurants, or shopping at Walmart. His group home took several vacations over the years, including the lake, the Omaha Zoo, and Kansas City.

   Justin is survived by his parents, Glenn and Cheryl Lange, of Rock Valley; brother, Jesse (Christy) Lange of George, Iowa; sister, Shayla (Tad) Johnson of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; nephew, Tevin Neugebauer of Tea, South Dakota; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

   Justin was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Missy Lange; grandparents, Emil and Betty Lange and Rich and Lyda Van Otterloo; Uncle, Dennis Lange; and cousin, Shawn Rozeboom.