Larry Lang

Funeral services for Larry (Papa) J. Lang of Moorcroft, Wyoming will be at 2 p.m. , Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at the Moorcroft Elementary School with Pastor Donovan Voigt of the First Presbyterian Church of Moorcroft officiating. Burial will follow at the Moorcroft Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 and also from 9-12 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at the Walker Funeral Home in Gillette, Wyoming. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Moorcroft Community Center for a luncheon and fellowship following graveside services. Larry Lang, age 68 passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at his daughters home in Gillette, Wyoming on Saturday, October 9, 2010 after a hard fought and determined battle with lung cancer. Larry James Lang was born on December 7, 1941 the son of Emil and Emma (Radel) Lang in Parkston, South Dakota. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Spencer, South Dakota where he graduated in (1960) from Spencer High School. While in high school Larry played basketball, baseball, and was involved in various activities. After graduation Larry worked at several different jobs including working at the local stone quarry, bartending and construction. Road construction of the Interstate system brought him to work in Buffalo, Wyoming where he met Norma Jean Coulter in the Buffalo City Park. They were married on May 10th, 1968 in Larrys hometown of Spencer, South Dakota. The couple moved to Moorcroft, Wyoming in 1969 where they made their home and raised a family. Larry was employed with Western Paving, Cundy Asphalt and Wagonhammer Construction. Larry then owned and operated J&L Blade Service. Larry with his family moved to Ord, NE where Larry and Jean owned Ord Bowl. After fulfilling his dream of owning a bowling alley, Larry returned to Wyoming. Larry worked for Hall Construction. Soon after, Larry got his start at Rochelle/NARM, quickly becoming a supervisor. He transferred after 11 years to Caballo Mine, where six years later he retired from the coal mining industry. Larrys greatest passion was fishing for walleye, camping with family, bowling (he was a member of the mens bowling association of Moorcroft for over 30 years) and hunting. His favorite pass time was watching his grandchildren participate in sporting events. Larry was an avid Moorcroft High School basketball fan, he rarely missed a game. Larry with his family and friends spent many summers camping at Keyhole State Park where many memories were made whether it was deep frying turkeys or a fish fry. Larry was admired by many and all who knew him called him friend. Larry spent nearly every morning having coffee with friends. Even during his illness he regularly met his dear friend Al Machton for breakfast or lunch. Larry is survived by his wife, Jean Lang of Moorcroft, WY; two sons, Robbie (Lorri) Lang Sr. , Kelly Lang all of Moorcroft, WY; one daughter Jeanie Rae (Donnie) Franzen of Gillette, WY; two sisters, Norma (Bob) Wilson of Mitchell, South Dakota; Blalnche Cahoy of Leawood, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Robbie (Marie) Lang Jr., Luke (Stephanie) Lang, Chad Lang, McKayla (Chad) Nobach, Bryse Lang, Josh Lang, Alecs Hopkins, Hayden Franzen, McKinlee Franzen, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Lori Lang and one sister, Bess Owens, and his beloved companion Simon (his Dachshund). A memorial has been established in Larrys name to benefit the Close To Home Hospice House in Gillette, WY and memorials may be sent to the Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the obituary tribute site on the website: www.walkerfuneralgillette.com.