Joseph W. Lang

Joseph was born in Melrose Park to Mary (Endl) and Joseph Lang. Growing up in Maywood, Joseph attended St. James School and then Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst (1957). He earned his B.S. in Commerce from Loyola University in Chicago on an Army ROTC Scholarship. Serving as a reserve in the Army artillery corps, he was stationed domestically at NIKE missile bases – including what is now Arlington Lakes Golf Course.

After undergrad, he began an ambitious career in banking. Applying at Cosmopolitan Bank, a seasoned secretary named Loretta gave him a typing test, which he failed miserably. He still got the job and they began dating shortly thereafter. They were married July 2, 1966 and enjoyed 53 years together, until she predeceased him.

Joseph attended Loyola University Law School at night, and earned his J.D. in 1967. As an attorney, Joseph ran the Land Trust Department at LaSalle Bank for over 30 years. He loved his profession and routinely handled personal and commercial real estate matters for family and friends.

Joseph also partnered with his brother-in-law in farming corn and soybeans on land he owned in McClean and Tazewell Counties. He loved riding in grain-filled trucks during Fall harvest and meticulously charted fluctuations in the grain markets – even executing trades in his final hospital stay.

An avid sports fan, Joseph could often be heard yelling at his tv while watching every Bears, Cubs, Sox, Notre Dame Football, and Illinois Basketball game he could find. He passionately rooted for his alma mater, IC Catholic Prep, as they won numerous state football championships in recent years.

Joseph loved fishing for walleye and northern in Canada and the Northwoods of Wisconsin. He cherished listening to the call of loons on those lakes. For almost 20 years, Joseph and Loretta enjoyed annual snowbird trips to Marco Island, Florida. Their weeks in Florida culminated with the Spring Break arrival of their beloved grandchildren.

Beloved husband of Loretta; loving father of Joseph Peter (Ann), and Stephen; devoted Grandfather to Emily and Joseph Peter, Jr.; dear brother of Mary (the late George) Long and Pauline (the late Hans) Strauch; beloved Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday May 24, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery, at 700 N River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in honor of Joseph at IC Catholic Prep (https://www.iccatholicprep.org).