Lana Kay (Thiel) Lang, 63
Lana Kay (Thiel) Lang, 63, of Kalispell passed away suddenly April 17, 2009, of a pulmonary embolism. She was born Oct. 20, 1945, in Worland, Wyo., to Alex and Viola (Beckman) Thiel.
Lana attended school in Worland, graduating in 1964. She attended Northwest College in Powell, Wyo., and Billings Business College. While living in Billings, she worked for Industrial Supply.
In 1968, she began a correspondence with a handsome soldier, Dave Lang, who was serving in Vietnam. Upon his return, they met and married eight days later. They just celebrated their 40th anniversary March 29, 2009.
During their marriage, Dave and Lana lived in Kansas, Germany, California, and finally Montana; they moved from Great Falls to Kalispell, where they decided to settle and raise their four children. Lana went to work for CenturyTel in 1978 and retired in 2003 after 25 years of service.
She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving on the school board and was always there to cook a meal for the sick and grieving. The "Paper Plate Queen" loved to bake and entertain - no one left her home on an empty stomach! One of her most treasured pastimes was enjoying a large bowl of popcorn with her grandkids; she also loved to taxi them around, host sleepovers, and read books. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, shopping and making jam as well. Every day she offered a sarcastic comment and a quick smile - many will miss her wonderful sense of humor.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Viola Thiel; and in-laws, Albert and Daisy Lang.
She is survived by her husband, Dave; her sons, Scott and Tammy Lang, Travis Lang, and Mark and Amber Lang; daughter, Melissa and Kevin Linrude; and six grandchildren, Allix, Taylor, Carsen and Rylie Linrude, and Aaron and Logan Lang; her sister, Wanda and Guy Shipley; brother, Ron Thiel; niece, Andrea Shipley; and nephews, Tyler and Mike Shipley. She had many friends and family who will miss her greatly.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Visitation for Lana will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A private burial will be held.
The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or School, 400 W. California St., Kalispell, MT 59901; the Montana Veterans Home, 400 Veterans Drive, Columbia Falls, MT 59912; The Lakeside QRU, 125 Bills Road, Lakeside, MT 59922; or the charity of your choice.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Lana's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Lana's guest book.