Helga Johanna Roth Lange, affectionately known as Johanna, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the age of 87.
Johanna was born on July 21, 1937, in Winters, Texas, to Pastor Carl and Elner Roth. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her older sister, Carolyn Roth Spillers; her devoted husband of 53 years, Pastor William Frederick Lange Jr.; and her beloved son, Christopher William Stuart Lange.
She leaves behind a loving legacy through her daughter, Debbie Tucker, and husband Jeff, and her son, Scott Lange, and his wife Tina and her daughter-in-law, Nikki Lange. She was a proud and deeply cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren: Kristen Bigott and her husband Pastor Marcus Bigott, Courtney Eldridge, Garrett Eldridge, Kale Lange, Koby Lange and his wife Nicole, Phillip White and his wife Shawna, Isaiah White, Grayson and Cade Lange and Ashlyn Martz. She was also blessed with four precious great-granddaughters: Gracelyn, Emberlyn, Olivia, and Kimber. Sister, Jeanette Mayer and husband Bill and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
Johanna graduated from Seguin High School in 1956 and later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Lutheran College. She went on to enjoy a fulfilling 22-year career at Seguin High School, where she taught physical science, biology, typing, and bookkeeping, touching the lives of countless students along the way.
A charter member of Faith Lutheran Church, Johanna faithfully stood by her husband’s side in ministry for 45 years as a dedicated pastor’s wife. She was especially beloved for her “Sand Box Stories” during Vacation Bible School and Sunday School—an interactive storytelling method she learned from her mother, Elner. Many children, long into adulthood, fondly remembered how Johanna brought Bible stories to life using a simple sandbox. She joyfully passed this tradition on to others, ensuring it would be shared with future generations.
Among her proudest accomplishments was the restoration of one of her grandfather’s old country churches, which had been converted into a sheep shed. With the stained-glass windows still intact, Johanna purchased the structure and had it relocated to the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center. Now known as Zion Church, it continues to serve as a sacred space for weddings, baptisms, and worship services.
Johanna was known for many passions, including her famous homemade dill pickles, which she often taught others how to make. She found joy in gardening and in restoring antique trunks, often turning heirloom pieces into beautiful keepsakes. She had a deep love for history and often said she believed she had lived on the Oregon Trail in a past life—so much so that she once displayed an old wagon in her front yard before donating it to The Big Red Barn.
A memorial service celebrating Johanna’s life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Seguin, Texas, on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM with the Reverend Marcus Bigott and the Reverend Daniel Cave officiating. A reception will follow in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC).
Her ashes will be lovingly placed in the columbarium at Faith Lutheran Church beside her husband, Bill, and son, Chris, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the William F. Lange Endowed Seminary Scholarship Fund at Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to The Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center, 390 Cordova Rd, Seguin, Texas, 78155, in honor of Johanna’s lifelong love for faith, family, and heritage.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.