Michael "Mike" Lorang 8/2/1949 - 1/21/2023

Mike was born in Auburn, CA at the old Highland Hospital to Lawrence J. Lorang (Bill) and Shirley McDowell Lorang. During Mike's youngest years, he lived with his parents and three siblings, James, Shelley and Leslie on the family property on the South Fork of the American River and attended the elementary school in the old quanset huts in Pilot Hill. In 1959, when Mike was ten, his family moved to Colfax where he attended Colfax Grammar School then Colfax High School, graduating in the Class of 1967. While in HS he played Football, Basketball, ran Track and was on the first Colfax High School Ski Club. During this time he met his future wife JoAnn Hilbert Lorang. Mike and JoAnn were married 55 years, and had three children, Carol, Charlie (Cris) and Matthew (Holland), and five grandchildren, Russell (Brigett), Nicola (Brendan Fontes), Trevor, Laney and Miles. All of whom were also raised in Colfax and Graduated from Colfax High School. Mike is also survived by his four great-grandchildren, Scarlet and Leisl Lorang and Lincoln and Jocelyn Fontes. After graduating high school, getting married and starting a family, Mike started his lifelong career in the Construction Industry. It was in 1972 at the age of 22 that he bought his first Dozer and along with his brother, Jim, the two established Lorang Brothers Construction in Colfax. Lorang Brothers Construction was one of the first Union Contractor's in Northern California and began performing work in both the private and public sectors in Counties that included Placer, Nevada, El Dorado, Yuba and Plumas. Over the course of 50 years, the Company built many roadways, highways, major and minor infrastructures, subdivisions complete, pipelines, dams, waterways, canals and water and wastewater treatment plants. During this time, Lorang Brothers employed up to 82 employees a year and survived two major recessions. Mike was a leader by example – he was hard working, kind, considerate, honest, generous, smart and fair. Mike would give anyone willing to work a chance - regardless of background, age, education or gender, he truly treated all people equally. The extremely high standard that Mike set for himself, his family, friends and the Company was noticed and admired by many. Mike was not only an amazing Employer, but he was so loved and admired by his wife, children, grandchildren, friends and all their friends and families. The only other thing Mike Lorang enjoyed as much as working, was also a good party!! Mike always made sure that after a long day of hard work, he also got to enjoy drinking beer, relaxing and having fun with his employees and friends. Mike leaves behind a legacy of what can be obtained in this life by working hard, having a positive mindset and being a good, honest, loving, loyal Husband, Father, Brother, Son, Boss and overall amazing human being. Mike had the ability to make everyone feel special and important. He will be greatly missed by countless people. The family would like to invite all who care to join us for a Celebration of the Life of Mike Lorang on Saturday, April 29th 2023 at the Owen's family property - 22880 Hayford Rd. in Colfax from 11:00am to dusk. There will be food and drinks galore, just the way Mike would have wanted it. Please RSVP to Trish at 530-913-8112.