Alpha J. Lang

Alpha J. Lang of Devils Lake ND passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, at Eventide Heartland Care Center, surrounded by family and friends.

There will be a gathering of family and friends next Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service and time of sharing and remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the church at 10:00 a.m. with burial in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.

Alpha Joann, daughter of Alfred and Esther (Augustson) Berg was born on July 2, 1942, in Devils Lake ND. She grew-up in Egeland, ND and attended Egeland Public School (the Egeland Echoes) before the family moved to Devils Lake. She graduated from Devils Lake Central High School with the class of 1960.

She worked at Rexall Drug and Woolworth’s in Devils Lake. While working at Woolworth’s, that bright smile and those sparkling eyes caught the attention of Eugene Lang and they soon fell in love. They were united in marriage on January 28, 1961, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They made Devils Lake their home their entire life and have lived in the same house since 1966.

Alpha was never idle. Along with being a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, Alpha worked various places as a bookkeeper and secretary including Mercy Hospital, Christie’s Grocery Store, Lake Chevrolet, Gene’s Alignment and for the past 16 years at the Devils Lake Police Department. She was also working at Wal-Mart in her off hours. Alpha worked several shifts at Wal-Mart and DLPD up until 3 months prior to her passing.

Alpha’s involvement in the community she loved was remarkable. She was an active member of St. Joseph Church, Altar Society, sang in the choir, served on the Parish Council, worked many hours at St. Joseph School. She served on the Chautauqua Board, sang in the Chautauqua Choir, member of the Jayette’s, Devils Lake Elks Lodge and volunteered and participated in the many activities and events held throughout the Lake Region. Alpha received the Unsung Hero Award in 2020.

When Alpha was not working you would see her walking, bike riding or after she turned seventy rollerblading. She loved UND hockey, stock car racing and deer hunting with her family. Please know how special you were to Alpha when you were wished Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary from Alpha and Gene on the radio station. No day would be complete for Alpha unless she had a cup of coffee from the Liquid Bean.

Alpha lived and loved every minute of her life. She loved her family unconditionally. She was a warrior when battling any health problems. Above all, she loved her Lord and Savior and trusted in His promises.

We mourn the loss of our precious Alpha as family and as a community, but her spirit will be with us always.

Alpha is survived by her loving family. Her husband of nearly 63 years Gene; sons Todd (Shannon) Lang of Harwood, ND, Troy (Geralyn) Lang of Fargo ND and Trinity Lang of Grand Forks ND; grandchildren Christopher (Amanda) Lang, Cassandra Lang, Chelsey Lang and Braden Lang: Landon Lang, Jacob (Bri) Lang, Jenna Lang, Luke Lang, and Johnny Lang: Seth Lang; great grandchildren Jayce, Ava, Eian, Mila and Emryx; siblings Yvonne Shear, Fort Collins CO, Eline (Jim) Kirchoffner, Ora Valley AZ, Marcia (Jim) Kraft, St. Michael ND, Terry (Vicki) Berg, Tennessee, Evan Berg, Dickinson ND, and Kevin (Missy) Berg, Winslow AZ; in-laws Veanna Berg, Marshall MN, Elroy (Donna) Lang, Winona MN, Virginia (Joe) Stein and Ron Lang all of Devils lake; many dear nieces, nephews and their families also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Baby Girl Lang, brothers Roger Berg and Bruce Berg and father-in-law and mother-in-law Paul and Marie Lang.

Urn Bearers will be Alpha’s grandsons and Eucharistic Gift Bearers will be Alpha’s granddaughters. Music will be provided by Patty Cote and Marla Luehring. Honorary Bearers will be Phil Johnson, Sam Hanson, and the Staff of the Devils Lake Police Department.