John L. Lange Jr., age 49 of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2012. He was born February 26, 1963 in Marquette the son of John L. Sr. and Barbara J. (Voelm) Lange. John graduated from Big Rapids High School and attended Ferris State University. John was an outdoors enthusiast. He loved to canoe and fish especially on the Manistee River. John liked to vacation in the U.P. returning to the fond childhood memories of his youth. He worked as an electrician, a master mechanic, a HVAC technician and meat processer. John had managed the Sawmill Canoe Livery in Big Rapids for many years. He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Swartwood of Cedar Springs, a son Travis Swartwood of Laguna Niguel, California; three grandchildren, James Cundiff III, Hailey Cundiff and Alyssa Swartwood; a brother, David (Teri) Lange, two sisters, Norma (Brian) Hockett, Brenda Lange all of Big Rapids; an aunt, Norma Lange of Big Rapids; nieces and nephews, Brooke, Blair, Joslin, Connor and Devin and many friends including Charles Cass. John was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial gathering will take place Thursday, May 3rd at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with the family greeting friends from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in John's name may be given to his family.