ELMHURST — Marion Eloise Byro Lang died peacefully at age 101 on Sept. 20, 2018.

She was born on June 30, 1917 to Bert and Clara (Sanderson) Byro in Milan Township, Illinois. She married Earl Lang in 1933 who preceded her in death Dec. 12, 1969. Marion had three children, Robert, Gerald and Barbara Jean.

Marion was raised on the farm along with her younger brother, Ardith.

Ardith gained his wings as a young man where he served in WWII and was killed on “D Day” at the Invasion of Normandy.

Becoming a young mother did not deter Marion from graduating high school in DeKalb. She was an excellent homemaker and cook often working to feed the college farm hands in make shift kitchens out on the farm to earn money for Bob’s college fund.

In 1956 Earl purchased Lang’s Royal Blue grocery store. For the first year Marion helped manage the store while Earl made a name for himself as a butcher. In 1958 a position for Postmaster of Creston became available and Earl encouraged her to take that position. Marion retired after 28 years. This was a very fulfilling job for her; in addition, she was able to travel annually with a fellow Postmaster from Malta to national conventions.

In later years, Marion began quilting as a hobby in addition to being involved with her church, St. John’s Lutheran. She was actively involved with a “Circle” and many other gatherings. She was also actively involved over the years with the Republican Party, often bringing people in from the farms to vote. Marion loved music, she was often times found playing the piano with her children singing along. Often times neighbors would comment about the “Lang Hotel” being open as she always had a revolving door of grandchildren coming to visit. The grandchildren loved to be at her beck and call vying to be the first one to help her in any way possible and listen to the stories. She had an incredible memory well past 100 years old - anyone that knew her would know this - dates, names, places etc. If only we could have captured all of the stories and memories.

Marion was adored by her family, and she adored them. Marion always had a peaceful loving demeanor which drew many to her; always seeing the best in people and never speaking ill of others. The game Skip Bo was a part of her daily life and really livened her up. She was competitive to the core and everyone loved playing with Mrs. Lang. She will be missed and remembered forever as the Matriarch of the Lang Family and in her own words “I am blessed with a wonderful family and I have lived a long life with many great memories”.

Marion was blessed by being born into a small community that took care of its own. She had so many wonderful friends to support her throughout her life. These ranged from childhood friends, neighbors, her church community, new friends and more. We’d love to recognize everyone individually but there isn’t space, just know she loved and appreciated you all.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bert and Clara Byro (parents); her brother, Ardith Byro; her son, Gerald Lang; daughter-in-law, Sandra Reinhart Lang; son-in-law, Louise Byro Parson; daughter-in-law, Joan Lang; granddaughter, Jennifer Rannel (Lang); and great-grandson, Jeffrey Alan Jachna. 

She is survived by Robert (JoAnne) Lang of Elmhurst, Barb Lang Egland (Terry) of Carmel, California; seven grandchildren, Mary Beth (Martin) Frank of Hudson, Wisconsin, Robert (Karen) Lang of Clarendon Hills, Claudia (Mike) George of Crete, David Lang of Douston, Wisconsin, Pete (Suzanne) Lang of Nevada City, California, Amelia (Anthony) Gerome of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Emily (Gino) Mangano of Clark, Missouri; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; niece, Audrey Stocking; and nephew, James Byro.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 26 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Creston. Reflections will be open at 10 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers any memorials can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church. 

A private burial will be held at a later date.