Clifford W. Lang Jr.

Clifford W. Lang Jr., age 85 and a residence of Freeport, IL, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Waconia Hospital in Waconia, MN. Cliff was born April 10, 1937 in Freeport IL. His parents were Clifford W. Lang Sr. and Faye (Thomas) Lang. In Cliff's youth he loved to play sports. He was on the Football, Basketball, and Track teams at Freeport Sr. High School. He was Sr. Class President in 1954-55 at Freeport Sr. High School. Cliff remained athletically active for many years, playing basketball in Freeport's City League, bowling, and golfing. Cliff and his wife Sharon Ann (Moellenberndt) Lang were married January 16, 1960, in Freeport IL. Although Cliff had been ill with daily severe head pain since he had Covid in 2020, they were happy to be together to celebrate their 63rd anniversary. Cliff graduated from the Freeport Micro Switch Tool and Die Program in 1960 as a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker. In 1964 he joined his father-in-law, Carl Moellenberndt, at the downtown Feed, Garden and Pet Store. They moved the business to the South Street location in 1967. The Garden Center became a separate business in 1971 which Cliff and Sharon enjoyed for many years. A Gift area was managed by his sister, Sally and a Patio Shop was added. Cliff also grew their plants in greenhouses formerly owned by the DeBoer family. In 1998 the store was closed and his life took another path as he started working at FHN in the Maintenance Department and coordinated all the outdoor plantings. Cliff was active at 2nd Presbyterian/United Presbyterian Church as an Usher, Deacon, Youth leader, and Ruling Elder. Later at Faith United Methodist Church, he continued his mission focus. He was very active with FACC as he helped in the pantry and raised plants for the FACC gardens. Cliff also joined a Methodist group as they worked to restore a house in Biloxi, MS which had been severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. In later years he and Sharon enjoyed visiting their many elderly friends and acquaintances. Cliff also delivered meals on wheels. During the spring and summer you could often find him planting flowers and tending gardens. His specialty was geraniums. Clifford is survived by his wife Sharon, son Brian Lang, daughter Marcia (Ken) Hickey and grandchildren, William Hickey, Jonathan Hickey and Elizabeth (Matt) Haesly. He is survived by his brothers, Lyle (Linda) Lang, Jimmy (Margaret) Lang and Jerry (Judie) Lang and brothers in law, Carl (Bonnie Schmied) Moellenberndt and Robert (Carol) Moellenberndt. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sally Kahler, sister in law Mary Lang, nephew Anton Moellenberndt, and his beloved canine companion Pelar. Services will be at Freeport Faith United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Visitation will be from 1pm to 3pm, with Celebration of Life at 3:00pm and a lunch following in the church Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be given to Faith Church, the Freeport Area Church Cooperative or a charity of your choice. Previous Events Visitation MAR 19. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CT) Faith United Methodist Church 1440 S Walnut Ave Freeport , IL 61032 Loading map Memorial Service MAR 19. 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM (CT) Faith United Methodist Church 1440 S Walnut Ave Freeport , IL 61032 Loading map