Eugene Lang, 89, of Grinnell died June 4, 2013, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Grinnell Christian Church with Rev. John Epperson officiating. Pianist will be Lorna Lang and vocalists Dave and Sue Vander Linden. Pallbearers will be Jordan, Wade and Grant Lang, Jim McKee, Kurt Dunham and Jim "Whitey" Hotchkin. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Smith Funeral Home with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 Friday evening. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Barn Foundation, Grinnell Regional Medical Center or the Grinnell Christian Church.

     Eugene was born February 9, 1924, in Madison Township, Poweshiek County, Iowa, the son of James Russell and Agnes Christiana Graham Lang. He was raised in the Madison Township area and attended country school near his home. He later moved with his family to Grinnell and was a 1942 graduate of Grinnell High School. He was a veteran of the United States Navy during World War II having served on the USS Begor.

     He was united in marriage to Deloris Rusk on April 1, 1951, in Newton, Iowa. A union of 62 years! He built their first and only home in Grinnell and continued in the family farming business, Lang's Parlor Dairy. The Lang's were the first dairy west of the Mississippi River to convert from glass bottles to paper cartons and for many years he was a dealer for Peterson Soybean Seed and later Pioneer Seed.

     Eugene knew the value of hard work and instilled a positive environment while raising his children. He was very devoted to his family and a loving family man. He held a strong Christian faith. He was talented in many ways and throughout his life he considered himself as a carpenter, woodworker, milk man, grain farmer, livestock farmer, equipment operator and ditch digger. He was a progressive farmer, loved his life on the farm and promoted agriculture. He wanted his family to be exposed to worldly opportunities and enjoyed taking his family on trips to various countries so they could experience their culture. During his time as a Pioneer sales representative, he opened his farm to thousands of international visitors from all over the world.

     Eugene was involved in several Agriculture Organizations including, Farm Bureau, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, National Soybean Association, US Meat Export Federation Board, and Iowa Barn Foundation. He served on the Grinnell State Bank Board and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. He was also a charter member and an active member of the Grinnell Christian Church.