On February 3, 1934, an amazing 11lb, 11oz baby boy, Harold Lin Prange, arrived into the waiting arms of doting parents, Adolph and Edna Prange and 8 siblings in Crocketts Bluff, AR, on the White River. He led a “Huck Finn” joy-filled life for 10 years until March 1944 when Mom, Dad, sister Bettye Ann and Hal moved to California to join the rest of the family already there. His family helped him develop his faith, character, empathy, sense of humor, story-telling skills, knowledge, and love for others.

At Hamilton High School in Culver City, CA he joined the ROTC and then served in the Navy for 2 years at Los Alamitos Air base with the fire crew. He thoroughly enjoyed these years which helped him grow into a responsible young man.

Hal married Jeanette Busch in 1958. They enjoyed 14 years of marriage which produced 2 wonderful sons, Robert and Edward. Sadly, Jeanette passed away from cancer in 1972. Robert married Jaci Enger, and had two daughters, Jessica and Tyler. Edward married Marcella Olave in 2011.

He was married to Linda Ritter for 10 years, which unfortunately ended in 1986, but they became friends in these last years.

In 1995, Hal married Barbara Howard, a kindergarten and elementary teacher and family friend. Hal welcomed her son, Roger as part of the family, along with his wife, Jeanmarie, and became Grandpa Hal to their sons, Ryan and Michael.

Hal became a teacher after leaving the navy and taught for 30 years at Orange High School and then several more years as a favorite substitute teacher. For many years he received the coveted honor of Teacher of the Year and had maintained friendships with many of his former students. Wherever he went, he would be stopped by a former student and greeted with warmth and true affection.

Hal was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church for over 60 years where he faithfully attended worship and served in a variety of roles.

On April 30, 2026, Hal suffered A fatal stroke/Heart attack, and “crossed the Jordan” into the waiting arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and his son, Edward. How eager Hal was for the great reunion promised us as believers in Jesus.

Hal is survived by wife Barbara, son Robert ( Jaci), daughter-in-law Marcella, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We shall miss him dearly, but we will also enjoy the same promised reunion with Jesus as all our loved ones. His memorial service will be held at St. John's on June 19th at 11 A.M. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Concordia University Irvine Howard-Prange Music Scholarship Endowment or your favorite charity.

“Thank you, sweet Jesus!”

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