Mr Joseph "Joe" Grange

Joe was born at Providence Hospital in Oakland, California to Marjorie and Joseph Grange. His father was killed in the Port Chicago ammunition explosion during WWII. His mother remarried and he was raised by her and his stepfather George Melcher.

Joe met his wife Sharon (McNally) when she was a student nurse at Providence Hospital, where Joe was born. They were married 6 months later.

Joe had a successful career in sales. Starting with Metropolitan Life, then joining his father-in-law, Don McNally, at Valley Paper Company in Madera, CA, and eventually retiring from Unisource Paper Products in Fresno. He also served as an ambassador for Jay Chapel in Madera for 12 years after his retirement.

Joe was an avid bicycle rider in his younger days, loved RVing with his family and friends, and was swimming all his life, completing 80 laps on his 80th birthday.

He was proud to be a charter member of Madera Breakfast Lions, was a member and president of Madera Freewheelers Club, and worked at the Old Timer’s Day Parade for many years. He was a member of the Madera Master’s Swim Club and it was with these great people that he took his last breath during his usual early morning swim.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim Melcher.

He is survived by Sharon, his wife of 56 years, by his daughter Sandra Ackerman and her husband Joseph, by his daughter Julie Simpson and her husband James, and by his son Christian and his wife Kristie. He leaves behind six grandchildren, Kaycie Simpson, Adam Ackerman, Jamie Simpson, Todd Ackerman, Sara Ackerman, and Spencer Grange.

Donations to Madera Breakfast Lion’s Club Scholarship Fund can be made in his name to: Madera Breakfast Lion’s Club Scholarhship Fund
P.O.Box 1198
Madera, CA 93639

Graveside service will be at Arbor Vitae Cemetery in Madera on Friday, May 8, 2021 at 10:30am and a lunch reception will be at San Joaquin Winery, 21821 Avenue 16 in Madera from 12:00 to 2:30pm.