Virlane George Lang was born on June 23, 1951, to Virgil and Marjorie (Bengston) Lang in Marshall, MN. He passed away unexpectedly following surgery on June 9, 2014, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

He attended school in Russell, MN, and graduated in 1969. Throughout school and following graduation, Virlane was active with the family farm and dairy business.

Virlane and Judith (Hanson) Lang were united in marriage on September 19, 1970, at Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln County, MN. Together they had a daughter, Nicole. They made their home in rural Lyon County near Balaton, MN, where they lived for 25 years.

Virlane joined the National Guard in 1971 and served ten years earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Virlane worked for a tire company in Marshall, MN, for several years and then worked for Cenex Harvest States in Balaton running their tire department and later the propane department. In 1985, Virlane started his own plumbing, heating and air conditioning business named Midway Heating and Repair near Balaton.

In 2001, Virlane and Judy moved to the Vale area. Here, Virlane continued his business under the new name of Lang Plumbing and Heating. He also farmed and raised a small herd of cattle and sheep.

Virlane spent time with his family attending horse shows and trail rides. They often vacationed in the Black Hills with friends and family. He enjoyed spending time working on the farm and with his livestock. He was hard working and many of his customers became family friends.

Virlane is survived by his wife, Judith (Judy) of rural Vale, SD; daughter, Nicole Skouge of rural Vale, SD; mother, Marjorie Lang of rural Vale, SD; brothers, Dean (Georgia) Lang of Gillette, WY, and Milton Lang of Sturgis, SD; sister, Kathleen (Mark) Einan of Mankato, MN; many nieces and nephews; and Kate, his loyal dog and constant companion.

He is preceded in death by his father, Virgil; infant brother, Donald; brother, Maynard; father and mother-in-law, Verdun and Hazel Hanson; and son-in-law, Richard Skouge.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 15th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 16, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Newell with Pastor Marcia Brennan officiating. Burial will follow at the Vale Cemetery.

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