Richard M. Lange, 71, of Ashland, IL, died Monday, August 11, 2025, at his home. He was born April 15, 1954, the son of J. Roland and Frances Ilene (Farmer) Lange.

He is survived by his brother, W. Steve Page and sister, Robbin Nickelson, both of Petersburg; nephew, Joshua (Kaylyn) Nickelson; niece, Lana Nickelson (Sean Sonnen); and great nieces, Piper and Sienna. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Patricia Page; and brother-in-law, Brad Nickelson.

Richard graduated from Ashland High School in 1972 and then from Western Illinois University in 1976, where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma. He worked as the first salesman at Stone Seed ARCS LLC in Pleasant Plains and was also the agriculture teacher at Pleasant Plains High School. Richard eventually retired as a field specialist from the Illinois EPA.

He was a member of the Ste. Anne Parish Militia at Forte de Chartres, a group dedicated to preserving French Colonial History, Forte de Chartres, and black powder shooting. Richard was also a supporter of the FFA.

Cremation rights will be granted, and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations in memory of Richard are suggested to the Ashland FFA. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is assisting the family. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.