In Remembrance is an occasional column featuring short obituaries of CAS members who have recently passed away. These obituaries and sometimes longer versions are posted on the CAS website; search for “Obituaries.”
The Leader, Mentor, Teacher
Joseph Suhr Highbarger (FCAS 2005)
1971–2024
Joseph Suhr Highbarger, 53, passed away in October 2024 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Highbarger was born to John and Jean Highbarger in South Bend, Indiana. The family lived for several years in Hyde Park, New York. After his father’s death, the family moved to Ames, Iowa, where he spent his childhood. He graduated from Ames High School in 1989 before attending Clarke College in Dubuque (now known as Clarke University) on a full-tuition scholarship. It was at Clarke College that he was advised to pursue a career in actuarial science. After graduating from Clarke in 1993 with a B.A. in mathematics, he continued his studies for an additional year at the University of Iowa. Highbarger began his actuarial career in Des Moines with Allied Insurance before taking a position with GuideOne Insurance, where he spent the majority of his career. He also worked at Fireman’s Fund Insurance in Denver, CO, American National Insurance in Springfield, MO, and most recently, took a position with Grinnell Mutual Insurance. He was a leader, mentor, and teacher throughout his career. Highbarger met his wife, Jennifer, in 2000 in Des Moines. The couple moved to Colorado in 2002 and got married in 2003. In 2005 they moved back to the Des Moines area and had a son, Samuel Anson Highbarger, in June of 2007. He considered being a husband and a father to be his greatest role and loved traveling and making memories with his family. He is survived by his wife of nearly 21 years Jennifer Highbarger; his son Samuel Anson Highbarger; mother Jean (Highbarger) Klute; brother Matthew (Helene) Highbarger; stepbrother Kevin Klute; mother-in-law Pat Roach; father-in-law Ed Roach; and sister-in-law Hillery Roach. He was preceded in death by his father John Highbarger; stepfather Dennis Klute; paternal grandparents Samuel and Isabel Highbarger; and maternal grandparents Virtus and Dorothy Suhr.
The Musician, Traveler, Family Man
Dennis Lee Lange (FCAS 1982)
1954–2025
Dennis Lee Lange passed away in June 2025. Lange was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Charles and Patricia Lange. There, he grew up with his sister, Deborah, and his younger brothers, Douglas and Daniel. Dennis graduated from Washington High School, where his intelligence shined as valedictorian. From there, he went on to UW-Milwaukee, where he earned both B.S. (1975) and M.S. (1977) degrees in actuarial science. This education led to a long-storied career as an actuary, working for companies such as Sentry and Kemper. In 1981, Lange embarked on fatherhood when his first daughter, Megan, was born. His family continued to grow in 1983 with the birth of his second daughter, Emily, and again in 1986 when his son, Zach, arrived. Lange was a provider to his family and cherished many moments of his children’s youth, especially camping, cross-country travel, and a special trip to Germany. In 2012, Lange met Marilyn, his cherished wife of 11 years. Their long-distance romance grew while she attended seminary, eventually leading to their marriage on June 28th, 2014, a date chosen as an ode to their shared love and appreciation of math, as it is pi doubled. With his marriage to his loving wife, Lange also gained a son, Ryan. Lange’s family continued to grow as he became a grandpa, a role that he loved and shined at. Lange beguiled his three grandchildren with dad jokes and enjoyed spending time with them. Lange was a talented musician, playing trumpet in the Palmyra Eagle Community Band, Watertown Municipal Band, and Windy Hill Symphonic Band. Dennis also played in the 1st Brigade Band, which portrays the history of the band from the Civil War with antique instruments and uniforms. Lange was a man who fully believed in God and the Bible. Lange is survived by his loving wife Marilyn Lange; daughters, Megan (Jordan) Anderson and Emily (Garrett) Campbell; his sons, Zachary (Katie Uhlman) Lange and Ryan Beyer; his grandchildren, Kherrington, Aaron, and Brett Campbell; his mother Patricia Lange; his sister Deborah (Jay) Hall; and his brothers, Douglas (Jeane Lawrence) Lange and Daniel (Kathy) Lange. He is preceded in death by his father Charles Lange.
