Russell L. Lang

Russ was an elementary school teacher for 30 years, primarily in Lansing Public Schools, at North, Bingham, Gier Park and Verlinden Elementary schools. He also drove a school bus and delivered the Detroit Free Press in Fowlerville in the early years, after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force in San Antonio, Texas. He earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees at Michigan State University, and continued to be a fan of MSU football and basketball.

He was a committed Boy Scout leader in Fowlerville and Lansing, and coached little league baseball for students at Verlinden (team name Lang’s Gang).

Russ volunteered for almost 45 years at University Baptist Church, East Lansing, doing grounds and maintenance, where he also served on various committees. He loved to garden, fix things around the house, paint and build things for others, especially woodworking and building toys for children.

In his retirement years, he was heavily committed to Habitat for Humanity, locally and by working at many special builds in various parts of the United States. His favorite activity in retirement was attending hundreds of sporting and school events, dances and recitals of 11 grandchildren. In the past few years he wintered in Winter Haven, Florida.

Russ was well traveled, visiting almost all 50 states with Ardith, his truck and Airstream, additionally taking all 11 grandchildren on special, individual trips to their destination of choice.

Survived by: wife Ardith J. Lang (Betts), daughters Karen Hosler (husband Steve, passed 2001) and Susan Smith (husband Michael); sons David Lang (wife Nancy Stuart) and Tom Lang (wife Dayna); grandchildren Jeff (wife Rochelle), Ryan, Diana and Laura Hosler; Jennifer, Matthew and Jacob Smith; Sarah and Stuart Lang; Christine and Andrew Lang; and one great-grandchild on the way.

A funeral service will be held Monday, November 8, 2010 at 1:00 PM at University Baptist Church, 4608 S. Hagadorn Rd, East Lansing with the Rev. Alex Dickens III, Senior Pastor and former pastor, Rev. Dr. Richard L. Schultheis, officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or Habitat for Humanity Lansing, 1941 Benjamin Dr., Lansing, MI 48906 in memory of Russell.