Ronald 'Ron' J. Lang
Ronald "Ron" J. Lang, 86, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Ron was born July 3, 1937, in Long Prairie, MN but was raised in Ellis, KS.
He graduated from Ellis High School in 1955 and joined the United States Navy serving four years active duty. Ron’s work career spanned many occupations including police officer, truck driver and school custodian.
Ron is known by his family and friends as a talented gunsmith, gifted woodworker, struggling fisherman, skilled marksman and avid hunter. He was a jack-of-all trades and a perfectionist. Ron was a jokester (spit wads through a hidden straw at supper was one of his favorite pranks), and he loved traveling, playing cards and spending time with his family and friends. The last two years of his life were limited by his health challenges, and the family wants to thank his many caregivers.
Ron is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia R. Lang; daughters, Kathy (Tim) Pfannenstiel, Brenda (Rusty) Hellyer and Karla (Jim) Wildeman; son, Terrence (Diane) Lang; grandchildren, Kim (Jeremy) Dawson, Travis (Chrissy Bowser) Pfannenstiel, Russell (Sunni) Hellyer, Jennifer (Juan) Vargas, Reilly Hellyer, Jordan (Branden) Gabel, Shania Lang, Matt Jarvis, Jennifer (Will) Keesee, Jeff (Emily) Jarvis and Carter Wildeman; 17 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Allen (Mary) Ruder; sisters-in-law, Darlene Werth, Marge Ruder, Carmen Ruder, Rosemary Schoenberger and Frances Schoenberger; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Killian and Ada Lang; Schoenberger brothers and sisters Frank, Simon, Norbert, Joseph, Gilbert, Victor, Robert, Richard, Andrew, Vincent, Rudy, Isadore, Virginia Emmert, Viola Krazalkovich and Irene York; brothers-in-law, Virgil Ruder, Robert Ruder, Gerald Ruder, Donald (Jane) Ruder, Wayne Ruder and Irvin Werth.
Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 13, 2023, including a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., both at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary, 10515 West Maple in Wichita, KS. On Friday, July 14, 2023, there will be a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., at Church of the Holy Spirit in Goddard, KS.
A memorial in honor of Ron has been established with the: National Kidney Foundation – KS, OK, W.MO
9218 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 424
Overland Park, KS 66212
Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com.