Louis Bertram Lang

Louis "Louie" Bertram Lang, 88 of Thomson Township went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, November 25, 2008. His daughter, Marcie and wife, Helen were by his side. Louie loved the local history, he was born in Thomson Township on November 19, 1920. His memory recalled events told to him by his father, Charles Lang (Feb. 8, 1879 - April 28, 1954) and his mother, Ellen Silverthorn Lang (March 17, 1881 - May 6, 1966). Dad retained information about events, including the weather on any particular day up to 80 years ago. This aspect of dad fascinated friends such as the late Uno and Gloria Murto. Dad was a stickler for details of the past stemming from his mother inadvertently recording the year of his birth as 1920 instead of 1919. Louie attended Thomson Township schools during the 1920's and early 1930's. Prior to World War II, dad was in the Civilian Conservation Corps building bridges. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in New Guinea, Southern Philippines as a nurse in the 126th General Hospital. Dad received the American Theater Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star. After World War II, Louie returned home to Lang Apple Farm in Thomson Township and married Dorothy McIntire Crotteau, a widow with 5 small children, Paul, John, Mary, Margaret and James Crotteau. Together Dorothy and Louis had an additional 5 children, Margie, DeeDee, Alice, Marcie, and Rosie raising 10 children on the farm. In addition to farming, Louie also worked at Conwed Corporation for 40 years retiring in 1984. On March 2, 2008 Louie married Helen Farleigh, his sweetheart of 19 years. Together they resided with his daughter, Marcie and her children, Johnathan and Tekla at the Langtree Apple Farm (Knife Island Campground). Dad was the youngest of 5 children. His sisters, Norma Hibki, Blanch Reiland, Ruth Costa, and Eva Lang all preceded him in death. The greatest of Dad's losses were those of his two step-sons, John Otis Crotteau and James Peter Crotteau; beloved son-in-law, Chet Champeaux; as well as his previous wife, Dorothy McIntire Crotteau Lang; and granddaughter, Briar Rose Stolberg. Louis is survived by his wife, Helen; children, Margie Lavan of Minneapolis, Dee Dee (Glenn) Martin of Minneapolis, Alice (Kyle) Schadewald of Scanlon, Marcie Stolberg of Thomson Township, and Rosie (Paul) Murray of VA; step-children, Mary Osmon of Albert Lea, Margo Colomb and Paul Crotteau both of Esko; grandchildren, Robby and Kevin Crotteau, Adam Colomb, Shari Vinje, Cindy, Christina and Randy Osmon, Jon Crotteau, Julie Crotteau Ball, Erik, Jessie and Mandi Lavan, Jeff, Nicholas and Isaac Martin, Chris Champeaux, Danny and Amber Schadewald, Johnathan and Tekla Stolberg; and 24 great grandchildren. The last months of Louie's life were enjoyed by visiting with his grandson, Johnathan about war stories and having his wife, Helen by his side. Funeral Services were held on Friday, November 28, 2008 in Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St. in Cloquet with burial in Hillside Cemetery in Carlton.