Date of Birth: May 22, 1934
Date of Death: October 29, 2016
Elmer Herbert Lang was born May 22, 1934 in Wadena, Sask. to Matt and Mary (Keller) Lang. In July 1934, he was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, Nut Mountain, Sask., where he also confirmed his faith on Oct. 2, 1949.
Elmer left school at a young age to help with the family farm. A few years later, he ventured to
Vancouver, B.C. to work at various jobs. He then returned home in 1962 and worked in Regina for Shaw Pipe.
On Oct. 3, 1964, he married Alvina Maurer at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Melville. Elmer and Alvina lived in Regina and in 1965 their daughter, Marilyn, was born. In January 1966, they purchased a farm in the Brewer district. In 1970 their son, Keith, was born. They continued farming and in 1994, Keith began farming with his dad, and in 1999 Elmer and Keith began a welding and ag repair shop.
Elmer and Alvina purchased a home in Melville in 2004, but Elmer continued to farm with Keith until his retirement in 2010. After retirement, Elmer still spent a lot of time out at Keith’s shop visiting with clients and suppliers, serving as the company “PR man”.
Elmer was active in his church for many years. He also sat on the board for United Grain Growers for several years. Elmer and Alvina enjoyed many Sunday afternoon drives, trips to B.C. and going to northern Saskatchewan. He excelled at teasing his five grandchildren with his far-fetched stories and tales.
In 2011, Elmer’s health began to deteriorate, which led him to move to Ituna Lodge in February 2016. In March he moved to St. Paul Lutheran Home, where he spent countless hours playing solitaire and enjoying the visits of family and friends.
Elmer passed away peacefully on Oct. 29, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospital with his family by his side.
Elmer is survived by his wife of 52 years, Alvina; daughter, Marilyn (Darrell) Sass and their children, Alison (Trent) Zulyniak, Brooklyn Sass and Carson Sass; son, Keith (Donna) Lang and their children, Jayden Lang and Garrett Lang; one great-granddaughter, Paeyton Zulyniak; one brother, Gilbert (Louise) Lang; one sister, Wilmarie Lutz; a brother-in-law, Cliff (Laverne) Jendrasheske; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Niebergall and Esther (Bert) Horgas; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Elmer was predeceased by his parents, Matt and Mary Lang; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Fred and Barbara Maurer; his oldest sister, Alvina Morgan; and youngest sister, Marlene Jendrasheske; brothers-in-law, Magnus Berton, Andrew Morgan, Jim Lutz and Ervin Niebergall; nephew, Richard Horgas; and niece, Janice Mehling.
Elmer’s funeral service was held Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church, Melville with the Rev. John Nieminen officiating. Elmer’s daughter, Marilyn Sass, sang a tribute rendition of “It is Well with My Soul/How Great Thou Art.” The organist, Dorothy Herman, led in the hymns, “My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” “Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven” and “Fight the Good Fight.”
Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren and great-grandchild, Alison, Trent and Paeyton Zulyniak, Brooklyn Sass, Carson Sass, Jayden Lang and Garrett Lang.
Interment followed in the Melville City Cemetery with Dave Lang, Dwayne Jendrasheske, Glenn Lang, Randy Zulyniak, Don Berton and Robert Horgas acting as pallbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
