Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Mary J. "Jeanne" Lang

June 29, 1933 – September 12, 2022

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Mary J. “Jeanne” Lang. Reverend Joseph Herzing will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum in St. Cloud. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Mary Jean Lang (née Steichen), 89, passed peacefully from this world to the next on September 12, 2022, in Albany, MN. She was born to Mary (Barthelemy) and Joseph Steichen on June 29, 1933, in St. Cloud, MN. After high school, Mary Jean (Jeanne) attended business college where she met the love of her life, Ralph Lang, of Richmond, MN. In 1956, she and Ralph were married and began their wonderful life-long journey. Over the course of the next 64 years, they raised nine children and watched their family grow. And Jeanne continued to relish this role these past two years after Ralph’s death.

The youngest of seven, Jeanne learned early on what it meant to be surrounded by love and to love freely. That lesson was never forgotten and Jeanne spent every day of her life paying it forward. Those who knew her were amazed that such a small package could contain and deliver so much love.

Jeanne loved her family. She loved her husband and her children deeply and unconditionally. That incredible love was the most wonderful gift she gave to us. And it will always be our source of strength, a treasure in perpetuity. Jeanne adored her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her eyes, each of them was special, with special gifts. Throughout her life, Jeanne adored babies and small children and could “just eat them up.” If one were near, surely that is where you would find Jeanne. Playing on the floor or sh-sh-sh’ing them to sleep as she rocked them gently back and forth.

Jeanne delighted in all people, friends and strangers, and had a magical way of connecting. She cherished company. Anyone who encountered Jeanne, will remember how her bright eyes would light up when she saw them. This was a chance for Jeanne to learn how they were doing and to show that she cared. And she truly did care. Jeanne’s beautiful smile and words of appreciation and encouragement made the days of so many people, as any of her recent caretakers can affirm. It was her kindness and positivity that struck people. They had just met an angel.

A deep and abiding religious faith played a significant role in Jeanne’s life. That faith gave her inexhaustible strength, unwavering hope, and a conspicuous love of living. Jeanne’s spirited laughter and joie de vivre (picture her at 89 enjoying an ATV ride!) will forever echo in our hearts.

Anyone who knew Jeanne, knew how much she loved conversation. But more accurately, she loved to listen…to anyone and everyone. Indeed, for someone hard of hearing (in her later years), she was a masterful listener. It might even be said that listening was one of Jeanne’s many superpowers. Jeanne also enjoyed words, which served her well at the scrabble board—she was unbeatable!—and made her a gifted conversationalist and an exceptional font of encouragement. Her listening ability, keen intellect, and deftly delivered contributions left any audience charmed…and feeling special.

The ability to spot a silver lining from a mile away was another superpower in Jeanne’s arsenal. She never wasted energy on negative thoughts and was always able to find a bright spot that the rest of us would too easily miss.

Those who knew her well will fondly remember “Jeanne’s goodbyes.” After a family visit with Grandma Steichen, the porch-to-curb goodbyes could take hours! Every hug was delivered from the heart, leaving every lucky recipient feeling special and especially loved. Goodbyes were always difficult for Jeanne, but they were always happy affairs. Her last peaceful goodbye was surely difficult, but just as surely a happy affair, with all the promise that comes from her deep faith and a simple “until we meet again.”

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, all six of her siblings, and a daughter, Michelle Lang. Jeanne is survived by her 8 children, Kathy (James) Albers, Susan Lang, Mary (Ron) Lunderby, Joseph Lang (Karen Heimer), Linda Gere, Becky Lang, Jenny (Charles) Macklin, and Christopher (Melanie) Lang; 26 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Over the last month of her life, the caregivers at Mother of Mercy, Albany, were like extended family to Jeanne. The family wishes to sincerely thank the attentive and supportive staff for treating Jeanne as the beautiful person she was. In lieu of flowers, memorials, or donations, the family asks that you remember Jeanne in your prayers.


Guestbook

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Sending heartfelt love & prayers your way🙏What a beautiful obit to honor her legacy❣️Take care & God Bless.

Such a beautiful obituary. What a wonderful tribute to your mother! Very fond childhood memories of Jeanne. The sweetest mom I ever met! May your memories and knowing she is now with your dad and Michelle comfort you all now and in the days to come.

Lovely Matriarch to a beautiful family. She will forever be in the hearts of those who knew her.

Both will be sadly missed

To all of Jeanne’s Family: My deepest sympathies to each of you! Your Mom was one of the sweetest Ladies I’ve ever met, a true Angel on earth!! I only have found memories of her and All of you from my grade school days with Mary to all the wonderful memories of working with her And all of you at Jerry’s. May all of these wonderful times help you through these difficult days, live to all of you!!

Services

Schedule Details

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Mary J. “Jeanne” Lang. Reverend Joseph Herzing will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum in St. Cloud. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.