David Lang, 82

David Albert Lang, 82, went into the arms of Jesus on Jan. 10, 2026. He was born Sept. 14, 1943, in Forsyth to Albert and Daisy Lang. 

They moved to Kalispell in 1952, where he attended elementary school at Demersville's one-room schoolhouse, Somers School, then graduated from Flathead High School in 1962. 

As a young man, he helped his parents with their Christmas tree farm and sheep ranch. In August 1966, Dave enlisted in the United States Army, serving back-to-back tours in Vietnam as an aviation specialist, piloting and working on helicopters. While on a combat mission, his aircraft was under enemy fire, causing it to crash and he sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. In recognition of his courage and sacrifice, he was awarded the Purple Heart. His military career also took him to Kansas, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota and Panama.

In 1968, he began correspondence with a beautiful young woman, Lana Thiel, with whom their friends set them up. Upon his return from Vietnam, they met for breakfast, got engaged at lunch and married just eight days later on March 29, 1969. They celebrated 40 years together until Lana’s passing in 2009. 

During their marriage, Dave and Lana lived in Germany, California, and finally back to Montana in 1977, where they decided to settle and raise their four children. 

Dave was always a hard worker and a jack-of-all-trades. He could fix/build anything. He had a career as a manager at Buttrey Foods and Walmart. 

With a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit, he enjoyed rock picking and was a jeweler, faceting his own stones and selling jewelry in his local shop. He was a woodworker and gold prospector; he enjoyed teaching his kids and grandkids to hunt and fish. After retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family, giving his grandkids rides in the trailer behind the lawn mower. He was known for always having cinnamon candies in his pocket or enjoying a strawberry milkshake. His daily trip to local cafes was a highlight for him. 

He was always available to lend a helping hand. He was known for being the nicest guy you’d meet. He was kind and strong; a great listener and secret keeper.  

He was a rare and genuine gentleman, exemplifying happiness, kindness, and unwavering love for his God, family and country. His heart was as big as Montana, and with a humble spirit, he was unaware of the full measure of his impact. His influence continues in the many lives forever changed by knowing him.

He spent many years as an active member and elder at Trinity Lutheran Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Daisy Lang and his beloved wife, Lana Lang. 

He is survived by his four children, Scott (Tammy) Lang, Travis (Kris) Lang, Mark (Amber) Lang; Melissa (Kevin) Linrude; eight grandchildren, Allix (Jordan) Bowlin, Taylor (Thomas) Linrude, Carsen (Winter) Linrude and Rylie (Justis) West, Aaron and Logan (Kelsie) Lang; Katherine (Tyler) Dager and Aaris (Brock) Molenda, and five great-grandchildren; Sloane and Selah Linrude, Jett and Jagger Bowlin, and Stetson Molenda; and numerous dear family and friends. 

He was laid to rest next to the love of his life, Lana, on Jan. 20 at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry, Wounded Warrior Project or Trinity Lutheran Camp. 

Please join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.