Lang, Keith

Keith Lang, age 61, of Sheboygan died peacefully Friday, March 18, 2016 in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous nine month battle with cancer.

Keith was born in El Paso, TX on June 7, 1954 to the late Roland and June (Reimer) Lang. Keith was a 1972 graduate of Sussex-Hamilton High School. He then furthered his education at University of Wisconsin-Stout where he earned his Bachelors Degree, and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he earned his Masters Degree in Business Management. He was united in marriage to the former Denise Bartelt on October 5, 1991 in Sheboygan.

Keith was employed by Johnson Controls, Oster-Sunbeam, Thomas Industries and most recently Kohler Generator until the time of his passing. He was a member of First United Lutheran Church. Keith excelled at playing baseball in high school and college, and was a player and later player/manager of Sussex Land O' Lakes minor-league baseball team where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.

Above all else, Keith loved his family. Spending time with his son and daughter at their functions as they grew up was his greatest pleasure in life. He also enjoyed being with friends playing cards, vacationing and just getting together.

Survivors include his loving wife of almost 25 years, Denise; son Alec Lang and daughter Chloe Lang, both of Sheboygan; sister Christine Lang of Niles, IL; brothers Russell (J'Lee) Lang of Menomonee Falls and Douglas (Mary Kay) Lang of Aurora, IL; brother-in-law David (Lucy) Bartelt of Lannon; cousin Sally (Mark) Okruhlica of Menomonee Falls; nieces and nephews Justin (Christina) Lang, Carly (Sam) Schneider, Abby Lang, Sarah (Morgan) Hamblin, Derek Lang, Dan (Stephanie) Bartelt, Jennifer (Josh) Wick, Anna (Tyler) Roberts, Molly (Alex) Roberts and John Okruhlica; and numerous great-nieces/nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends will gather at First United Lutheran Church, 2401 Kohler Memorial Drive, on Wednesday March 30, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. The memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. at the church with Rev. Todd Smith officiating.

Memorial gifts can be made in Keith's honor to support the "We Care Fund" at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Gifts should be directed to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Surgery, 9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226 or online at www.mcw.edu/wecare .

Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sheboygan Press from Mar. 24 to Mar. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Lang

Sponsored by Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home - Sheboygan.

10 Entries

Mary and Ray Larson

March 25, 2016

That smile and the qualities outlined by friends make me understand better how he and Denise did so well together. We taught with Denise for many years and when she would share some of the happenings requiring patience and skill by her spouse and children, it was evident he was a real winner.

It is so hard to even begin to comprehend the plan of God, but to take the heart and soul from a family would never be at the"right" time. I know how proud he was of the graduation of Alec and the one coming up for Chloe..he will be cheering loudly from above.

Do not hesitate to reach out ...when you feel ready ...to your friends and loved ones for the support which is needed.

Leslie Laster

March 25, 2016

Denise our deepest sympathy goes outntonyou ndbthe family. May memories guide you and comfort you. Love and prayers. - Leslie Laster and family

Sue (Kuhnke) Taylor

March 25, 2016

My deepest sympathy is sent to your entire family. As a high school friend of Russ', I spent a lot of time at the Lang house and watched a lot of baseball. I always remember Keith's big smile and love of life. Wishing you peace.

cheryl knight

March 24, 2016

God bless u Keith I always liked your smile leaning on the lockers between classes at high scooll miss u

March 24, 2016

Hi Denise, Alec, and Chloe,
My wife Beverly and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Keith is our loss as well. Keith and I played side by side for 12 years with the Sussex baseball family.
I admired his ability and humility as a player and as a person. Keith was not lacking in confidence though, I must say. I will never forget one game when he threw the ball from deep left field to home plate and the ball he threw hit the top of the backstop and it stuck in the fence (probably close to 400 feet, nobody does that!). We had to get a little kid to climb the fence to get the ball out. We all were stunned and got a great laugh from it. One season I hit my best batting average ever and Keith out hit me with a .448 average leading the league. He was really a gifted player and I had always wished that I had some of that arm strength.
We had so much fun practicing, playing, and partying (picnics really) together after games.
12 years is a long time to get to know and be with each other. Our whole team was one big family.
Keith's passing is a very tough loss for all of his teammates from the Sussex baseball team to process. Along with Keith, his brothers,Russ and Doug, were such a huge part of our success. All of this happened over 30 years ago and Keith's passing has brought it all back.
From what I have learned Keith impacted his family, church, and his community the same way he played ball, with excellence, class and dignity.
I'm sure Keith's presence will be with you always. He is with us as well. We hope the best for you during this difficult time.

Tom and Bev Konkol

Sherry Bath

March 24, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Keith. You will be missed.

Joy Bischoff

March 24, 2016

So sorry for your loss,can not believe it,Keith was a sweet man,I loved talking with him when he would dropped the kids off in the morning when they were little,You guys just cherish every memory and hold it close to your heart!!

Charlie and Jackie Gruenke

March 24, 2016

Denise and family,
We are very sorry for the passing of Keith. Our deepest condolences to you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. God be with all of you.

Kim Canisius-Hemsing

March 24, 2016

Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to your family. Keith was always such a pleasant man. Just know that you have our love and support during this difficult time.

Marcia Schleicher

March 24, 2016

Denise and family, My deepest sympathies to you in the loss of Keith. I worked with Keith at Thomas Industries, and am honored to have known him. I also knew that he was working at Kohler as I was on the IT Service Desk, and one day Keith had a problem with his PC at work, and called for assistance and got me to assist him. It was as if we had not lost touch, and it was the same old Keith, asking how I was doing, and how others that worked at Thomas were. I pray that you all find peace, as Keith has now, and remember all the wonderful memories you have. God Bless,

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