Charles J. Lang

Charles (Charlie or Chuck depending on when you met him) Joseph Lang was born in Uhrichsville, Ohio on July 25th, 1937, to his parents Margaret and Joe. Years later Charlie's little brother Jerry was born, and their family was complete. Charlie spent much of his early life involved with the church, either through Catholic schooling or more service-oriented tasks. Charlie remained in Uhrichsville until moving away to Columbus for college in 1955.

After college Charlie got his start as a Teacher and Athletic Director at a small school, in German Village, in Columbus, before moving to Zanesville in 1965 for a new opportunity. It is here that he met the love of his life, Barbara (Barb) Ellen Oswald.

Despite the belief that Charlie might be the one for her, Barb tested fate by moving to Minnesota for a teaching job in 1967. After a few years of trying the long-distance-relationship thing out, Charlie had had enough. On Valentine's Day in 1969, Charlie drove to Pewaukee, WI (where Barb was visiting her parents) and asked Barb to be his wife. They got married months later, on June 21st, 1969.

After years of struggling to have children, their first and only child was born in June of 1972. Because of their difficulties David (Dave) John Lang was dubbed "The Little Miracle" by his parents. By this time, the family had migrated to University Park, IL, where Charlie worked in an administrative capacity for Michael Reese Hospital. They stayed in University Park for a few years before moving to Richton Park, where they laid down their roots.

In Richton Park, the family thrived. After earning his MBA at night school, Charlie changed jobs and ended up at the University of Illinois Chicago Hospital, while Barbara taught English at Bloom Trail High School. Dave eventually graduated from the University of Illinois in 1995, and shortly thereafter Charlie and Barb moved to Surprise, Arizona for their retirement and forever home in the year 2000. Charlie found a welcoming community in Surprise, where he joined several service-oriented groups and made many, many friends.

Over the years Charlie's family got larger. Dave married Marie Smith, and the two went onto give Charlie three grandkids: Sydney, Royce, and Ella. Charlie's love for his family knew no bounds and only grew over time. To the day he died he doted on Barb, was proud of his son and daughter-in-law, and saw limitless good in his grandkids.

To his friends and family, Charlie is most known for his generous spirit, infectious laugh, uncompromising adoration of his grandkids, and delicious sugar cookies. He will be forever loved and missed by those that knew him.

On January 7th, 2024, Charlie passed away, with Dave and Marie by his side. He was predeceased by his Parents Margaret and Joe, and his brother Jerry. He is survived by his wife Barb, his son Dave, daughter-in-law Marie, and his grandchildren Sydney, Royce, and Ella.

On Saturday, January 20th, 2024, there will be a visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Matteson, Illinois.