Knute Lang Jr., 87

Knute Lang Jr. (Big Dad), 87 of Columbia Falls, passed away surrounded by family in February 2024. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1936 to his parents, Knute Sr. and Maude, who had immigrated from Sweden. He was proud of his Swedish heritage and shared blessings in Swedish at every holiday meal. He moved to Montana in the late 1980’s after retiring.

He married the love of his life, Nancy in June of 1959 and lost her 25 years later to cancer. He had a rich and venturesome life working at a typewriter factory, GE for the Apollo mission, and in the hospital medical field. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, passing that enthusiasm onto his sons, Kraig and Scott.  

Knute served in the US Navy on the USS Douglas Blackwood during the Cuban Missile Crisis. From the time he was a boy in Pennsylvania, Knute spent at least one weekend a month camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking or just having an adventure with his three buddies in a close friendship that has spanned decades. While in Montana, he continued this close friendship as well as making many new friends. He volunteered for multiple projects and several fire assignments for the US Forest Service.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, wife, Nancy; and brother-in-law, Claude Ludi of France. 

He has left behind his brother, Bobby (wife Judy) of Pennsylvania; his sons, Kraig (wife Ruth) of Augusta, and Scott (wife Dawn) of West Glacier; grandson, Nicholas; nieces, Claudine of Colorado, and Nadine of France; as well as his sister-in-law, Marilyn Ludi of France. He also has left behind his three lifelong friends from Pennsylvania, Bob Ballantyne, Hank Windish, and Bill Toll. 

A private service will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date.