Memorial

Donn Harrison Lang, born May 25, 1919, peacefully passed away April 29, 2020. He would have been 101 in May.

Donn was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, third of 6 children born to Ralph Bernard Lang Sr. and Beulah Harrison Lang.

Donn attended Maquoketa schools, graduated in 1937 and that’s where he met Madge Vale. They were married in August of 1941. In 1943 Donn was drafted into the Army in the midst of WWII. He was shipped to Europe and fought in the European Theater. He returned to Iowa in 1945 to his bride and first-born son Phillip. Soon came 2 more sons, Michael, and Mark. 

The family had relocated to Cedar Rapids, with Donn working at Collins Radio days, and going to night school, studying business. He also assumed responsibilities of providing care for Madge’s Mother.

Soon after, he started his career at Rapids Chevrolet Co., retiring after 35+ years of service as office manager. He could then spend more time with Madge after her stroke. 

Donn’s faith, family, friends, and integrity, were his guiding principles. He shared those principles with all that knew him.

After 71 years of marriage, Madge passed away in 2012. 

As the years passed, so did Donn’s eyesight, but he continued to live on his own, still keen with wit and levity. Last May, Donn celebrated his 100th birthday and enjoyed the 100 family members and friends that gathered for his milestone.

Donn was a member of St. Paul’s UMC, active in sponsoring various Boy Scout troops, an avid blood donor, a member of VFW post 788, and a 50+ year member of Knights of Pythias fraternal order, achieving status of Past Grand Chancellor of the State of Iowa. He always looked forward to fishing trips with his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In October of 2016, Donn took the Honor Flight with his son Mark as guardian, to Washington DC. Although he could not see well, he enjoyed being there, touching the memorials, and experiencing changing of the guard.  Those were memories he talked about for years. Donn was so impressed with the welcome home ceremony at the Cedar Rapids airport, he wanted to take part in the next “welcome home” for the following Honor Flight. As it turned out, there were more returning veterans thanking him for his service, as being part of the “Greatest Generation” saying if it wasn’t for them, we would not be here today.

In the final few months, Donn was a resident of ManorCare Health Services with his brother Ralph.

Left to cherish his memories, in his words “My 100 incredible years” are brother Ralph Jr., sons Phillip (Sheryl), Michael (Susan), and Mark (Judy).

Grandchildren; Jason (Carrie Straight), Brad (Tamra),  Daniel, Brenda (Pete Valaika), Brandon (Lori), Amber (Jeremy) Guck, Matt Crandall, Kara (Daniel) Charlier.

Great grandchildren; Carson, Scarlett, Harrison and Regan.

Extended great-grandchildren; Savanna (Aaron) Smith, Alex Crandall, Hunter (Malinda) Crandall, Avery and Austin Guck, and Daniel Nelson.

Extended great-great grandchildren; Harper Jean Smith, Weston Allen Crandall and baby Charlier on the way.

Additional family includes Sigrid (Richard) Thomas, Jeff (Cynthia) Allen, Alexa Masters, Katherine Battjes (Karl Braunz), Francisca Allen (Omer Snodgrass), Mary Allen, and Beatrice Allen. 

Reverend Lloyd Brockmeyer of St. Paul’s UMC is assisting the family and will conduct Donn’s graveside service.

Memorials may be directed to the family or your charity of choice.

Pallbearers: Phillip, Michael, Mark, Bradley, Daniel and Carson Lang

The family invites you to join in at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2020 for a 4:00 p.m. virtual service for Donn Lang.  Please join us at the following  bit.ly/donnlang