Richard C. Lang
October 4, 1943 ~ September 7, 2020
Richard C. Lang passed away Monday, September 7 at his home.
He was born October 4, 1943 in Valley City, ND to Ed and Charlotte Lang. He grew up on a farm near Tower City, ND, and after graduation volunteered for three years in the United States Army. After training at Fort Bliss, Texas on how to install nuclear warheads and fire nike hercules missiles, he was then stationed at a missile base in Bavaria Germany for two years. When he was stationed in Germany, Richard enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and continued these ventures when he returned to the states. After his discharge, he attended Moorhead State University and went on to graduate school at Illinois State University. In returning to Fargo, Richard joined New York Life Insurance and retired after 29 years. He was united in marriage with Paulette Bakke in 1970. They resided in Fargo and raised three children, Kim, E Bryan, and Andrew. When his children were young, Richard always found time to coach a summer baseball team. He enjoyed watching them play sports and many trips were taken in the family van to see their games. He was a lifelong fan of Shanley athletics and later continued this tradition with pride in watching his grandchildren. Richard planted and maintained the flower beds at Shanley High School for many years where his children attended. He had a passion for reading military history and for his LA Dodgers. Richard was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and donated time to the Roger Maris Golf Tournament.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Paulette, children; Kim (Todd) Kankelfritz, Fargo, ND, E Bryan Lang, Fargo, ND, Andrew Lang, Lakewood, CO; two grandchildren, Sarah and Andrew Kankelfritz. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth (DeAnna) Lang, Tower City, ND; and five sisters, Janet (Marlyn) Halland, Tower City, ND, Karen Richman, Valley City, ND, Diane (Richard) Kohler, Valley City, ND, Frances (Gerald) Hagen, West Fargo, Barbara (Patrick) Lyon, Eugene, OR, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Peter Richman.
Private services will be held. Burial will be in Fargo National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to JP II Schools.
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We are sorry for your loss…
God has prepared a place for Richard. This is God’s Will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. May he rest in peace.
Our prayers are with you all. He was always good to us Kosir kids growing up and will never be forgotten,
Randy and Kathy Kosir
So sorry for your loss ,sending hugs and prayers to you all from mom and me
Paulette, I am so sorry for your loss.
Lucy Wade
Sun City, AZ
My Dad (Wayne Blanchard) worked on the Maris Tourney with Richard for many years (and I would assume they did things around Shanley together as well). Dad very much respected him and enjoyed their time together. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to your family
Richard was always a gentleman and a class act. We played football against each other in High School and it was always a friendly rivalry. In 1962, I ran into Richard at the Post Exchange in Ft Bliss, Texas, the same weekend as he was shipping out for Germany. What a coincidence, two North Dakota boys 1600 miles from home.
God Speed,
William Hicks
Durham, NC
My sympathies to the family. I remember the Lang family.,in school and 4-H
Paulette & Family, My family & I were very sorry to hear about Richard’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts & prayers! I had the honor of working with Richard for many years. He taught me a lot about the business world & many things about life in general…I will really miss my conversations with him! Our sympathy goes out to you and your entire family. Take care & God Bless!
I am sorry for the passing of Richard, he was a man that loved his family. I have been his friend starting back in Tower City as kids. I always enjoyed the conversations we had over the years, about life and the Dodgers. My prayers are with the Lang family
Paul Schumacher
Scottsdale, Az
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Richard.
As you know, In elementary school I was terrible at every sport. In gym class my greatest aspiration was to be picked second to last and my greatest athletic accomplishment was the one time I was picked third to last.
One Summer, Richard tossed underhand pitches to me as I swung and failed to make contact too many times to count. The other kids were getting frustrated as they waited their turn to bat. When they complained that my turn should be over, he was very firm: “Everyone gets to bat.” and the matter was settled.
I have so many incredible memories from my childhood with Richard. Who can forgot the Fourth of July bottle rocket fights or when he would let Bryan and I drive the van in Tower City? I am grateful for all of the time i spent in the Lang house. It was my home away from home. I will miss him very much.
Lynn and Richard had some good times together, especially the ski trips. so sorry for your loss.
We remember Richard from school days in Tower city. Jim and Richard worked together at the missile site North of Valley City and on road construction in the summer. Jim and Richard shared a room in Fargo when Jim was practice teaching and Richard was a student at Moorhead State. We are sorry for your loss and prayers for your family.
Paulette and family, all my sympathy. We were neighbors on the farm in Tower City . Have some good memories of Richard and his family. Prayers to you. RIP Richard
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Richard. He was our New York Insurance agent for many years, and we had some wonderful visits. He was so proud of his wife and children. I also have some good memories of Richard going back to our high school days. Rest in peace dear Richard
Paulette our prayers for you and your family. We remember so many good times with the two of you! Please accept our condolences
Dwight and Karen Jochims
My deepest sympathy. I really enjoyed working with Richard