Ludwig Henry Lange, age 77, of Chippewa Lake, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. He was born June 25, 1932 at home in Chippewa Lake to Gertrude (Wilke) and Paul Lange. Lud was honorably discharged from the United States Army serving during the Korean War. He was a proud graduate of Michigan State University with a Master's Degree in Engineering. Lud was elated to play trumpet in the Michigan State marching band and over the years he has looked forward to going back to see old friends and to once again play on the field in the alumni band. Living on a farm his whole life; Lud raised beef cattle, like his father, along with a variety of exotic creatures; llamas, miniature donkeys, emus, Boer goats, reindeer, pheasants, rabbits, including Australian shepherds and barn cats. He also kept honey bees and Lud's natural honey is known to be the best around. Lud worked as a land surveyor out west for a few years, then was a design engineer for the Chrysler, Ford and Chevy plants in Detroit. He was instrumental in the designing and development of the first seat belts. Although Lud was not always concerned with money, his prestigious career allowed him to truly enjoy what was most important - the farm. Lud traveled to Germany several times to visit relatives and to enjoy his passion for snow skiing on many of the famous ski slopes in Europe. Lud looked at no one as a stranger. He welcomed people into his life by striking up conversations at gas pumps, long lines, parking lots or anywhere, taking time to involve and include everyone. Although Lud may have married and had children later in life than most, his caring, patient, funny and wise personality shone through with a much more confident light and reflected upon all who were blessed with his presence and grace. Lud was a member of St. Paul's Campus Parish in Big Rapids. He is survived by his grateful and loving family; his wife Sharon and their 2 daughters; Katharina and Susanna Lange all of Chippewa Lake. A memorial mass will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 29th at St. Paul's Campus Parish in Big Rapids with Father Lam T. Le presiding and Father Wayne B. Wheeler Jr. Con-celebrating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.