Esther Lang

Esther Adele Lang was known for being a simple but kind and thoughtful person, always showing love and respect to others. Yet, she never called attention to herself, content to be a servant of God and focusing on the needs of her family and others.

The influence of being born early in the 1900’s in a rural farming community, made up largely of Swedish immigrants and their families, forged her life and values forever. She never lost this influence and ethic where hard work, frugality and love for your neighbor was a happy way of life. Her parents, Carl and Anna Sjogren, lived and worked hard on their small farm in Algoma township near Rockford, although Carl’s main job was being a brick layer in Chicago, forcing him to commute by train on the weekends. The Sjogrens raised five children in all and Esther came right in the middle on February 11, 1913.

Esther enjoyed life on this small country farm and attended a one-room school down the hill a short distance away. She went on to Rockford High School, and although she had to walk 5 miles each way to and from school, thrived on participating actively in many activities. She enjoyed performing in plays and being involved in other school events. A very intelligent young lady, she enjoyed learning, and studied hard, graduating Salutatorian of her class of about 35. She never had a chance to attend college, feeling it was more important to help support her family during the difficult depression years. Esther never stopped learning or enjoying life with her positive full cup outlook on life. She was an avid reader and felt that each day brought something new to her life. After graduation she became a nanny for a wealthy family in Grand Rapids. It was during this time that she secretly married a high school classmate and love of her life, John Stanton Steed. This was a difficult romance since both felt they should work and live as singles so they could each contribute to the financial needs of their families. Two years later the couple welcomed the birth of their only child, daughter Dianne Louise. Tragically, John passed away in 1950. Esther and Dianne now age 12, returned to Grand Rapids and Esther began working in the Steed family real estate office, where she remained until her retirement. Early in 1955 Esther met Harold Lang, a widower and fellow member of Berean Baptist Church. They married in the Fall of that year and enjoyed 40 years of happiness before Harold passed away in 1996.

During their years together Harold and Esther spent their vacations traveling. Harold had a passion for trains and enjoyed visiting historic routes and photographing depots, and Esther, true to her care for detail, kept detailed journals of each trip. Sometimes they would take their two grandchildren with them, highlighting the trip with a train ride, of course, making sure the kids were all decked out with little pinstriped overalls and caps, accented by a bright red neckerchief just like the big engineers. Esther’s preferred mode of transportation on a daily basis was walking briskly taking in the out of doors. She got a drivers license at age 60, but only used it once. Harold was pleased to drive her to places too far to walk.

Esther was a very talented lady, a superb cook and an excellent seamstress. She made many of her own clothes, as well as clothes for her daughter when she was at home and for her grandchildren. The highlight was making her daughter’s wedding dress. A special trademark of hers was Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls. Few left her home without a tin of home made cookies.

Esther lived her life strongly influenced by her faith, constantly and cheerfully serving God. She had been a volunteer in her church since childhood and age did not diminish her commitment to service. Although she lived a simple and frugal life, Esther generously gave of her time and resources where they were needed to make a lasting impact. She focused on serving others, never calling attention to herself.

Esther loved her family and was a perfect example of a godly wife – respectful, gracious and entirely supportive. She loved reminiscing and sharing fun stories of her past with her family. There were never enough hours to spend with them. By trade and nature Esther was very organized, but not to a fault. If her grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren, wanted to make a mess she was patient and more than willing to let them, pleased to pick up the mess they made after they left. She was forever the optimist, always seeing the good in every situation no matter how complex, choosing to ignore the bad. For this, she and her godly life will be remembered, honored and forever loved by her family and friends.

Esther A Lang of Grand Rapids, at age 90, met her beloved Savior face to face on September 28, 2003. She was preceded by her first husband John Steed, and by her second husband Harold Lang. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Dianne and Roger Hansen, grandchildren Jon and Victor and Lynn Hansen; great grandchildren Leanne and Andrew Blackmore, Kayla, Erika, Aleece and Dallas Hansen; brother and sister-in-law, Norman and Leona Sjogren and Anne Shogren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Esther’s family on Tuesday, September 30, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and 10:00-10:45 AM at Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. Funeral and committal services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 1 at the funeral home, with her pastor, Rev. Duane Duhon of Berean Baptist Church officiating. To read Esther’s life story, leave a memory, or order flowers online, or make a memorial contribution to either the Michigan Christian Home or the Berean Baptist Missionary Retirement Fund, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com

Thinking only of others, Esther Lang lived her life full of faith. She will be missed by all who knew her.