Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Monday, September 16th, 2024.
Born August 1, 1939, to the late Henry L. Perkinson and Virginia E. (Gundrich) Perkinson. Preceded in death by her devoted husband of 59 years, Kenneth G. Lange. Survived by her beloved children Rita Lampe (David), Peter Lange (Carmina), Ellen Stemmler Bailey (Justin), Ann Merdinian (Arthur), and Mark Lange (Jill), and her eight grandchildren, Joseph Lampe, Anna Lampe, Alex Lange, Adam Stemmler, Krista Stemmler, Henry Meyer, William Meyer, and Edy Lange. Her sister, Patricia (Robert) Hermann, nieces, Mary Brice, Laura Sanderson and Susan Hermann, nephews, Robert, Dan, and Jim Hermann, and 14 great nieces and nephews. Special Godchildren, Jon Jansen and Ryan Mertz.
Kathy grew up in University City and attended Christ the King grade school, then to Nerinx Hall High School graduating in 1957. She remained a loyal Nerinx Alumnus her entire life. She attended St. Louis University where she graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy in 1961, working for a year before she married her husband, Ken, on June 2, 1962. Kathy loved being a mom, so much so, she wanted to help other mothers in this vocation and in the late 60’s she joined La Leche League and became a leader, supporting hundreds of mothers to successfully breastfeed and parent their children, ultimately becoming a certified lactation consultant. Kathy made many dear and lifelong friends through her over 50 years in LLL and she continued to be actively involved into her 70’s.
Kathy was a lover of St. Louis history, especially the 1904 World’s Fair. She was a tour guide for Explore St. Louis and a volunteer at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. She loved the St. Louis Muny and enjoyed her bucket list trips to Hawaii, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Ireland and Germany.
Kathy was an extremely outgoing and friendly person. She made strangers feel comfortable and made friends very easily. Kathy loved being with her family more than anything and always made time to visit and spend time with her children and grandchildren. She took great pride in watching her children lovingly parent their children, all the while making sure to pass on the tradition of playing Canasta and making molasses cookies. She will be remembered for many things, especially her laughter, genuine kindness, and deep commitment to her family and friends.
Many thanks to Mother of Good Counsel Home for their devoted and loving care of our mom during the past 3 ½ years. A special thank you to all the Sisters who brought her daily communion and blessed her every night before bed, and to the very kind nurses and aides, especially Vonda who loved our mom and took such good care of her.
SERVICES: Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Providence Catholic Church (8866 Pardee Rd., 63123) on Saturday, September 21st at 10:00 AM. Interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation Friday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123).
Jack and I send our condolences and sympathy at the passing of your beloved mother and grandmother. May she rest in peace. May you be comforted in her great love for all of you and the awareness your Mom and Grandmother lives on in you. May you be inspired by her acts of love and care.
I send my condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Lange – Adam Stemmler’s grandmother. I am Adam’s USAF mentor and I can tell you all raised a good man with character – a reflect of his late grandmother. I hope you all find closure as time continues on.
Very Respectfully,
Capt James Ferguson – United States Air Force
She was a wonderful friend ! She helped me with nursing our first baby, and a few years later I was able to be her neighbor! She was friendly to everyone!
Our love pours out to the whole, wonderful family. Wes and I loved Kathy and Ken so very much. We had some great family adventures together, both in St. Louis and in Wyoming. God’s blessings to all of you. We’ll always remember our amazing friends.
Terri and Wes Nash
I met Kathy at the Ulysses S, Grant Historical Site, and have great memories of shared experiences at the front desk, on Mondays! She was always smiling, full of stories about her family. Blessings to you all…….
I loved Kathy she was always there for me!! We sure had a lot in common , especially our love of our children. Interesting natural path style health care and our high school . I regret not keeping in touch . love to all!