Fred Lang

Fred Lang regarded his family as his greatest accomplishment, and he worked hard each day to provide for them. From floor to ceiling, the walls of his house were covered with pictures of his beloved kids, grandkids, and great grandchildren. Fred was the happiest when he was with his family, and in their company a familiar smile always brimmed over his lips.

1918 was a year of uncertainty. As the Great War pushed toward its climax, people studied newspapers to predict the outcome. In Cedar Creek Township, located just outside Manton, Michigan, Hugo Lang and his wife Bertha (Boujact) maintained their optimistic spirits by focusing on a different future, the future of their family. They were expecting a child, and on September 19, 1918 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their son Fred Clarence Lang.

Fred grew up on the family farm in Cedar Creek Township. His father was a merchant marine, and he often worked away from home. The second youngest in a large family, Fred tended to the farm with his many brothers and sisters. Fred looked up to his older brothers, and he sometimes got into trouble by following their examples. They taught him the best way to play hooky. Instead of avoiding school altogether, Fred would rub leeks over his skin and the teachers would send him home because of the tremendously foul smell. After the stock market crashed and the Great Depression spread through the country, Fred left school to work on the farm. Despite the hard work and long hours, Fred enjoyed his years on the farm and fondly remembered them throughout his life.

Fred eventually left home to find work. He landed a factory job in Flint, Michigan. During this time, he was introduced to an attractive young woman named Elsie I. Nelson. They enjoyed each other's company, and they soon began dating. Fred and Elsie fell in love, and on March 2, 1940 they were married. The newlyweds settled into an apartment in Flint, where they welcomed their first child Barbara. The young family then moved to Elsie's hometown of Grand Rapids, where there were better job opportunities. Here Fred and Elsie were blessed with their second child, Marilyn.

Shortly after the birth of his second child, Fred was drafted into the US Army to serve in the Second World War. He was sent to Italy where he served as an automatic rifleman for about eighteen months. After receiving his honorable discharge, he eagerly returned to his family in Grand Rapids. He and Elsie soon welcomed their third and final child, their son named Fred C. Lang Jr.

For several years the Lang family lived on Ionia Street NW, and they eventually relocated to the house on 3rd Street. To provide for his growing family, Fred worked 3rd shift (or the C-shift) until his retirement after thirty-eight loyal years. His coworkers called him the "King of the C-Shift." His late night work schedule confused his sleeping schedule, and for most of his life he was unable to sleep at night. When he wasn't sleeping during the day, he worked other jobs, including a service station and a garbage business that he and his brother operated for a few years. He also found time to spend with his children. He always enjoyed picking apples with the kids, an activity that he called "old-fashioned huckstering." They would travel to different neighborhoods, peddling fresh fruit and vegetables from his truck.

Although Fred made a good living, he was not destined to become a rich man. He was too generous with his money. He handed his income over to his family, and he enjoyed watching them spend it. In his later life he was thrilled to see his family grow with the blessing of grandchildren. He loved to buy gifts for them, especially sports equipment. Whenever his grandkids were playing a game, Fred was always in the bleachers, cheering his heart out.

Emphasizing his giving spirit, Fred and Elsie made it an annual custom to dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus. For their family, they would ride their snowmobile complete with a red light to lead them and then give gifts to all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Closer to home, local schools always looked forward to their visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

One of Fred's strongest passions was baseball. For many years he coached teenage leagues throughout Grand Rapids. He was a true fanatic, and he loved the sport. Whenever he disagreed with a call, everyone around the field could hear his shouting voice. He was an excellent coach with a true understanding of the sport, and he provided his players with a valuable role model.

Fred and Elsie owned a trailer in Manton, and this became the site for many special family gatherings. Two of Fred's brother's lived nearby, and the grandkids visited nearly every weekend. The Langs enjoyed two tracks, many bonfires, homemade hotdogs, and snowmobiles. Most of all, they enjoyed the family camaraderie. Fred and Elsie hosted many holiday and birthday dinners. The Labor Day Carnival was always a special event. Fred would take the grandkids to the carnival to play the candy game. Although he eventually sold the trailer, he continued to take the great grandkids to fairs where he could play the candy game and win them each a stuffed animal.

Fred was a true character with a strong personality. He was outgoing, eager, and passionate. He never concealed his temper: it was his way or the highway. He was famous for the way that he waved his hand: he would flick his wrist to signal that he'd heard enough. Fred never used a wallet, preferring instead to carry change and folded bills in his pockets. If a few coins slipped out of his pocket, he enjoyed watching his grandkids scurry to pick them up.

Fred devoted his life to his family, and he worked hard to provide his children with the opportunities that he'd never had. For all his effort, he only expected their love in return. Among the many people whose hearts he touched, Fred will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Fred died on November 24, 2006. He was preceded in death by his wife Elsie in 1984 and by their children Barbara Gillis and Fred Lang Jr. Fred is survived by his daughter, Marilyn Lang; grandchildren Brenda Bolhouse, Teresa (Geary) Zomberg, Debbie (John) Paquin, Jeff (Cheri) DeBoer; great grandchildren: Stephanie (Ricardo) Martinez; Bob IV, Brian and Stephen Host; Zach, Travis and Madalyn Zomberg; Jake, Matt and Jessie Paquin, Meghan, Kaitlyn, Ryan DeBoer; great -great grandchildren Carlos, Alexia and Leah; and several nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Fred's life will be held on Tuesday, November 28 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE where relatives and friends are invited to meet with his family on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Inner City Youth Baseball. A special thank you to Dad's neighbor and caregivers Stella Carpenter and family and longtime friends Jim and Joyce and nephews Les and Ralph. Please visit Fred's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a favorite photo or memory or to sign the online register.