Donna Lang Vander Vorst

Donna Lang Vander Vorst, 102, Bismarck, died April 16, 2018, just 35 days short of her 103rd birthday. She asked her family, friends and pastor if God forgot her by letting her get so old. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at Primorose Retirement Community, 1144 College Dr. and another memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at Faith Lutheran Church.

Donna Lang was born on a farm near Zap to Jacob and Rose Lang on May 21, 1915. She grew up on the farm. One of her chores was milking. She could out milk most people, including her grandpa. She was her father's helper on the farm, working with him day to day, using horses and whatever machinery was needed. She attended school until the sixth grade.

She was a self-taught musician, able to play piano, organ, accordion, violin, guitar and harmonica, which was still in her night stand.

At age 17 Donna married Albert M. Lang. They lived in Beulah. Two children were born: Marvin and Gerald. They divorced in 1944.

A single mother, she did house cleaning to support herself and her boys. She applied for a position with Northwest Bell but need an eighth grade education so she took her GED. She retired from the phone company after 34 years.

Donna married Hannas Vander Vorst in 1954, which lasted 10 years.

She kept busy and was very involved in her community. She helped establish the German from Russia, Bismarck Chapter. She joined the Faith Lutheran Church in 1947 as it was established by The Rev. Schnaidt; and is still a member.

She enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to dance, particularly the three-way-polka. This dancing was good exercise and very likely helped to keep her young. Even at her 102nd celebration she did a little polka shuffling to the accordion music. She traveled with groups and friends on cruise ships. She enjoyed Prairie Knights and trips to Las Vegas. She also enjoyed playing cards and Bingo.

Her mind was razor sharp and she was a mother to the end. She was also a great hostess.

She is survived by her sons, Marvin and Gerald; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren.; siblings, Raymond R. Lang, Cooperstown, and Verna Mae Lang Schaff, San Jose, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ervin and Oscar; four sisters, Hertha Boyko, Ida Griffith, Esther Lang and Viola Graff; daughter-in-law, Ramona E. Lang; and granddaughter, Renata E. Lang Highness.

(Bismarck Funeral Home)