Carolina M. Lange

Carolina M. Lange, age 87, of Columbus died Saturday December 12, 2009 at her home.

Carolina M. Lange was born April 29, 1922 in Florence, Italy to Aldo and Maria (Vigano) Buti. She attended primary and secondary school in Italy and graduated in 1941 from Comune Di Firenze. She met her future husband Clayton George Lange during World War II when he was stationed in Florence, Italy. Clayton returned to the United States in 1946 after his tour of duty ended. Carolina traveled on the ship Marine Perch to the United States to join Clayton on January 9, 1947. Clayton and Carolina were married on January 14, 1947 in Columbus, Nebraska. She became a naturalized citizen on September 16, 1949.

Clayton and Carolina had 5 children: Alda, Maria Antonella, Susan, Clayton Daniel, and Elisa.

Carolina worked at the Columbus Manor as a certified nurses' aid for a few years. In 1974 Carolina returned to school and obtained a Licensed Practical Nursing degree from Platte Junior College on May 14, 1975. Then she began her 28 year career as a LPN at Mory's Haven, until her retirement in 2004.

Carolina enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who all called her Nonna. In her free time she liked to read, knit, go on long walks and work on Italian cross word puzzles.

She is survived by her five children Alda (Keith) Karel, Maria (Lowell) Elliott, Suzie (Terry) Korth, Clayton Daniel (Beverly) Lange and Elisa (Gregory) Paprocki; 18 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; two brothers Mario Buti and Piero Buti; one sister Beatrice Buti- Brunetti.

Carolina was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clayton (1999); one sister Alda Freni, one brother Oreste Buti.

Memorials may be given to donor's choice.