Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

On February 21, 1930, Jack was born on the family farm. His parents were Howie and Stella (Hendrickson) Lang. He was the fifth of six children.

In his earliest memories, country school was a blast, walking to and from school. For grades 4-6, he spent some time riding a pony to and from school on the nice days. Larry rode with him, but Jack wasn't much of a horse person. The recess and lunch hours were flexible, probably the most important part of their education.

Jack attended Grinnell High School because it offered an excellent FFA program. In 4-H, along with showing dairy cattle, he was a part of the county dairy judging team that won the state contest in 1945 and 1946, and he served as a state 4-H treasurer. Later he served as Mark's 4-H leader for the Madison Go-Getters for several years. His children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren are involved in the 4-H program. Each of his children and three grandchildren attended Iowa State University. He became an avid ISU fan himself, enjoying the ISU athletics as much as he could and even attended a women's basketball game last season!

Jack enlisted in the Air Force in 1950, serving in England during the Korean War as an airplane mechanic working on the F86 fighter planes. In December of 1953, he was honorably discharged to help with farming at home with his dad.

On June 13, 1954, he married Marilyn Wagner. During their marriage, they had four children, Mark, Ann, Mary, and Paula.

Jack milked Ayrshire and Holstein cows with Mark and Paula until 2013 when the herd was dispersed. During those years, breeding and showing registered Ayrshires at the various fairs was a pleasure during which they received many awards and championships. Jack continued to be a part of the farming operation on the family farm until his passing.

He had the opportunity to serve on the Board for the Des Moines Milk Coop and Mid America Dairymen Coop. Jack also served on the BGM School board for several years.

Church wasn't a religion; it was a way of life for Jack and his family. His parents and grandparents attended the Madison Church of Christ where he served as a teacher and elder. Jack and Marilyn also worked with the youth for several years, taking a gospel team program to area churches where the youth led the service in music and message.

Throughout his life, God has remained true! As his time approached the end, he repeated the words from a prayer learned long ago, 'if I should die before I wake, I pray to the Lord my soul to take'. He entered God's care in the early morning of December 2, 2025, on his family farm.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Evelyn Moore, Irene Gallagher, Merle and Maynard, and his sons-in-law, Phil Core and Neal Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his children Mark and his wife Patty Lang, Ann Core, Mary Tatro and her husband Doug, and Paula Smith, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren, and his brother Larry.

A visitation will be held Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Madison Church of Christ in Brooklyn, IA.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10:30 am at Madison Church of Christ.

Memorials may be directed to the Madison Church of Christ, Essence of Life Hospice and to the family.