David Lange Memorial Scholarship

This fund is to honor David Lange by providing scholarships for paralegal students.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David Lange, 63, after a brief illness, surrounded by family and friends, on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.

David was born on Dec. 29, 1960, to Robert and Beverly (Buehler) Lange in Madison, Wis.  He grew up in Cambridge, Mauston, and Marshall, Wis., graduating from Marshall High School in 1979.  David continued his education at UW-Madison, graduating with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics in 1983.  Deciding he needed a new challenge, David embarked on his career journey, by attending and graduating from Marquette Law School with a Juris Doctor degree in 1989.  He continued this pattern of challenging himself throughout his life.

As an attorney, David provided a variety of services for his clients, but he specialized in tax law.  This was emphasized in his 20+ years of working for the State of Wisconsin in the Department of Revenue and the Department of Workforce Development, as well as his private practice work after he “retired.” He loved the law and wanted to use it to make things fair for his clients. David also worked part-time as an instructor in the Paralegal Program at Madison College.

It was when he began working for the State that he met and developed a 30+ years loving relationship with his life partner, Lois Herfel, and he was extremely proud of working with her to raise her two daughters, Casey and Leah. He also took great joy in being “Grandpa” to their children and tried to never miss any of their activities.

Outside of work, at various points in his life, David was a boxer, a skydiver, a pilot, a scuba diver, and the last several years, a mountain climber. He loved to sing and perform in vocal groups and community theatre. He was an outdoorsman; hunting with his friends (and his dog, Wade), training for his climbs, or clearing out some trees. He helped out at his uncle’s farm, milking cows, but would help anyone out if he was asked.  David led a busy life and made lifelong friendships along the way.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Beverly Lange.  He is survived by his “significant spouse,” Lois Herfel; daughters, Casey (Michael) Wehrli and Leah (Ryan Huston) Herfel; grandchildren, Molly, Clara and Andrew; brothers, Dennis (Carol) Lange and Dwayne (Gigi) Lange; and sister, Debra Lange.

You were one of a kind, David. Gone too soon. You will be missed.

Checks can be made payable to “Madison College Foundation.” Please indicate “David Lange Memorial Scholarship” in the memo line or on documentation with the check. Please mail checks to:

Madison College Foundation
1701 Wright Street
Madison, WI 53704