Eugene P. “Gene” Lang, 83 of Devils Lake passed away on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, at Eventide Heartland Care Center in the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.
There will be a gathering of family and friends on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, Jan. 24 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake at 10:00 a.m. with burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
Eugene Paul Lang, son of Paul and Marie (Herlitz) Lang, one of thirteen children, was born on Dec. 18, 1941, at St. John, ND. He grew up in the Maza, ND, area and attended the Maza school. When the family moved to Devils Lake he attended St. Mary’s Academy.
Gene frequented the Woolworth Store in Devils Lake because of the sweet, sparkling eyed girl behind the counter. He married her, the love of his life, Alpha J. Berg on Jan. 28, 1961, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They lived, worked, and raised their family here through the years. Alpha died on Dec. 18, 2023.
Gene’s talents were many, but he worked as a body repair man and mechanic most of his life. He owned and operated Gene’s Alignment for many years. He retired and decided to keep himself occupied working for the Devils Lake Park Board. That quickly turned into a full time job, doing everything from soup to nuts; mowing, operating the Zamboni, janitor work at all the Park buildings, etc. You name it, Gene got the job done.
Gene’s mechanic and body work skills were invaluable as he was totally into Stock Car racing and Demolition Derbies. Each of his sons were part of the racing scene also. He was inducted into Racing Hall of Fame at the Devils Lake Speedway. Gene was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.
Along with racing, Gene was an avid hunter. He loved his sons, his grandchildren with his whole heart. They were so very special to him. Rest in peace dear Dad, father-in-law, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and good friend.
Gene’s loving family include his sons Todd (Shannon) Lang of Harwood, ND, Troy (Geralyn) Lang of Fargo ND and Trinity Lang of Grand Forks ND; grandchildren Christopher (Amanda) Lang, Cassandra Lang, Chelsey Lang and Braden Lang: Landon Lang, Jacob (Bri) Lang, Jenna Lang, Luke Lang, and Johnny Lang: Seth Lang; great grandchildren Jayce, Ava, Eian, Mila and Emryx; siblings Elroy (Donna) Lang, Winona MN, Virginia (Joe) Stein and Ron Lang all of Devils Lake; in-laws Yvonne Shear, Fort Collins CO, Eline (Jim) Kirchoffner, Ora Valley, AZ, Marcia (Jim) Kraft, St. Michael, ND, Terry (Vicki) Berg, Tennessee, Evan Berg, Devils Lake, ND, and Kevin (Missy) Berg, Winslow, AZ, Veanna Berg, Marshall, MN; many dear nieces, nephews and their families also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Baby Girl Lang, brothers Richard, Sylvester, Andrew, Robert Lang, and Ervin Lang in infancy, sisters Elvira Blawat, Ione Pederson, Sharon Halle and Mari in infancy, father-in-law and mother-in-law Alfred and Esther Berg.
Urn Bearers will be Gene’s Chris Lang, Braden Lang, Seth Lang, Dandon Lang, Jacob Lang, Luke Lang and John Lang and Eucharistic Gift Bearers will be Cassie Lang, Chelsey Lang and Jenna Lang. Reading the Scriptures will be Braden Lang, Landon Lang and Jenna Lang.
gilbertson@gondtc.com