George Edward Stange, 74, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska.

George was born on August 28, 1951, in Smith Center, Kansas, to Karl and Juanita Pearl (Cornwell) Stange. He grew up in Lebanon, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong appreciation for hands-on work.

George spent many years as a truck driver before transitioning into highway construction, where he worked until his retirement. He was a skilled mechanic who could fix just about anything, especially if it had an engine. He had a deep appreciation for cars, trucks, and anything that ran on gas.

He valued old-school hard work, independence, and doing things the right way. He had a dry wit and a sharp sense of humor, often delivering comments that caught you off guard and left you laughing. In his free time, George enjoyed being at the Stange family farm, spending hours in his shop tinkering on projects, and simply being around the things he loved. More than anything, he was grateful for time spent with his family and was looking forward to the arrival of his first great-grandchild this June.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a stillborn sister, Jennifer.

George is survived by his children, Lance (Amilyn) Stange of Loveland, Colorado, and Chandra (Barry) Bailey of Fort Collins, Colorado; his sisters, Karla (Gene) Jones of Smith Center, Kansas, Leafa Ruth Marrs of Tilden, Nebraska, and Angela (Rodney) Richardson of Lebanon, Kansas; and his grandchildren, Braden, Bryson, Brielle, Brynnley, Jalen, Della, and Bronson.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at North Oak Creek Cemetery, 22052 KS-181, Lebanon, Kansas, with Minister Tina Reed officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Lebanon Community Center immediately following the service. Memorials may be given to the George E. Stange Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS  66967.