Donald Lang

Donald A. Lang, Mandan, passed away on March 5, 2025, at Sanford Hospital to be with his Lord and Savior and family members who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held at Weigel Funeral Home, 309 4th Ave NW, Mandan, on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM with prayer service at 4:00 PM.

Memorial Service will be held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1615 N 18th St, Bismarck, on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 1:30 PM. Inurnment with military honors will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Donald was born on January 13, 1940, in San Bernadino, CA to William A. Cain and Ida Cain nee Bethke. Donald was adopted by Edward G. Lang in 1958. He spent his formative years in Mandan, attending Mandan High School until he was 16 years old. At that time, he began his apprenticeship with Sanitary Plumbing and Heating alongside Edward G. Lang.

Donald married Mariann L. Graf on June 8, 1963, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Mandan. Following their marriage, Don was drafted for the Vietnam Conflict in August 1963. This began his long and honorable service in the U.S. Army. Don and Mariann were stationed at Fort Knox, KY for 3 years; while they were stationed there Mariann gave birth to Michael A. Lang in August 1966; Michael died 5 days after he was born.

In 1966, Don and Mariann returned to North Dakota, and he worked at Sanitary Plumbing and Heating. In 1980, Don and several employees formed a partnership and purchased Sanitary and Plumbing and Heating. In 1987, the remaining partners purchased his shares in the corporation. After the sale of his shares, Don began his career with Facilities Engineering and Environmental for the North Dakota Army National Guard. He worked there until his civilian retirement in 2004. After departing Active Duty, he joined the U. S. Army Reserve until 1980 and then he transferred to the North Dakota Army National Guard. Don retired from military service in 2000 as a Command Sergeant Major. Don was very proud of his service to the Nation.

While living in Mandan, he served on the Mandan Park Board for ten years. As a member of the Mandan Park Board, Don worked on the land purchase for the Prairie West Golf Course, Eagles Park; supported the establishment of the Mandan Hockey Rinks, remodeling of the 9-Hole Mandan Municipal Golf Course and other projects for the community. He also enjoyed his years serving as an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and as the Council Vice Chairman.

Don and Mariann were blessed with 2 daughters: Paula born in 1969 and Michelle born in 1973.

Don and Mariann loved to golf in the summer and bowl in the winter, participating in both golfing and bowling leagues most of their married life. They were avid card players with their family.

Don is survived by his wife Mariann of 62 years; daughters Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Paula Lang-Morris (wife of Major General (Ret) David Morris) and Ms Michelle Wagner; 3 grandchildren Mr. Dalton Gustafson-Morris (wife Ashley Morris), Maxxine Matuska (husband Joseph Matuska) and Nicolas Wagner; 1 great-grandchild Kira Matuska; brother Kenneth Lang (wife Cecily Lang), Leland Lang (wife Margie Lang), Kathleen Miller (husband Charles Miller), and Jean Wanner (husband James Wanner). Don was preceded in death by his parents William A. Cain, Edward G. Lang and Ida Lang, and his infant son Michael A. Lang.

Donations in Donald's honor may be made to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery Foundation.

To livestream Donald's memorial service, visit YouTube Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Bismarck ND.