Frederick James Langland, age 85, born the eldest of 4 children to Helene (Klekoda) and Frederick W. Langland and lived in Grand Rapids his whole life. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife’s parents; his sisters, Karel McCloskey, and Phyllis Shepard; as well as many aunts and uncles. Fred became a salesman right after high school and was a route salesman for 30 years with Payette Distribution. He continued in retail sales with 2 different companies. After first retirement in 2001 he then retired again working part-time at Forest Hills Foods. Fred is survived by his wife of 61 ½ years, Dian (LeVoncher) Langland. He was the proud father of Laura (Dan) Klein, and “Rick” Frederick Langland; and a doting grandfather to Paul (Jennifer) Klein, Sarah (Kendal) Kelley. He loved seeing his great-grandchildren Shealynn and Bryce Klein. Also left to mourn are his brother, David (Rebeccah) Langland, sister-in-law, Gay Steffen; brother-in-law, Pat McCloskey; and many loved nieces and nephews. Fred was known to have found many stray animals who became family members. He proudly served in the army from Nov. 1959-Feb. 1962. His service was extended for 3 months due to the Berlin Crisis. Fred also was stationed in Greenland driving big trucks that supplied the air force base. He called it “good duty”. He was one of a kind. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Mercy Health clinicians who helped Fred, and to the Kentwood fire, police, and ambulance crews who worked so hard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Human Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534. Visitation will be 2-4 pm Saturday, February 5, 2002, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with a rosary service at 3:30 pm.
6 Responses
My prayers are for the soul of Frederick James Langland…Father, thank you for accepting your loving servant Frederick J. Langland. In the name of Your son Jesus!
We know he is welcomed in your kingdom of many caring Angels, and your unconditional Love….
The same love you gave his family for him also. They will miss Hom, but they know he is “home” with you, and that he will be with them always, in spirit, and be there for them, both here and there, to welcome them home again some day too. Thank you Father/Abba for the blessing that was his life in your Light…
Prayers, Love, Light anf Peace to all who know and cared about Fred! Calling on the the blood of Jesus to guide his soul, now and forever! Amen.
Sorry for your loss and are thoughts are with you….
I’m sorry for your loss Laura and Rick my thoughts are with you both
To my Aunt, cousins, nephew and niece , I am so sorry to here the loss Uncle Fred. I’m praying for your hurting hearts. Uncle Fred was a great man here on earth and now a great soul in heaven. I love y’all very much.
It’s hard to say goodbye Uncle Fred, I’ve known you my whole life. You always had a joke or a funny story to tell.
Love and prayers for the rest of my dear family members.
I love you all !
Wow, that picture really amplifies the resemblance of a young Rick to a young Uncle Fred! I remember the trips out to Grand Rapids to visit Uncle Fred, Aunt Dian, Laura, and Rick (with his real drum set). Memories bring recall of the Langland troop visits to Elkhart in the ’80s for holidays with Grandma and Grandpa LeVoncher, which always made for a busy household, spirited conversations, and fun games.
To those reading this guest book:
My best regards for a full life experience with meaningful memories go out to you.
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