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Mary Langer, age 84, of Valley City, ND, died Saturday, September 21st at the Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 27th at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Valley City. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the church. Interment will be in St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery.
Mom was a resident of the Memory Cottage at the Sheyenne Care Center since May, 2008. On September 5, 2013 she was moved to third floor. Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2001. The journey, over the years, has been filled with Mary’s wonderful smile, twinkling eyes and moments of laughter and tears. Her children treasured every moment when Mom was present with them.
Mary Beatrice Behm, the daughter of Adolph and Laura (Puhr) Behm, was born July 31, 1929 in Fingal, ND. Mary was the “Big Sister” to her brothers Earl and Lorny. Mary grew up on the family farm near Fingal, ND. Mary worked hard on the farm with her parents. Mary liked to tell stories of having to water the cows, help with chores and tell stories about the adventures her “Baby Brothers” would have on the farm. Mary was 18 when she started working in the kitchen at Mercy Hospital in Valley City. While she was working in Valley City she met Julius Langer. The couple was married at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fingal on October 10, 1949. The couple lived in Valley City until 1951 when they moved to Moorhead, MN. In the fall of 1957, they moved to a farm near Alice, ND. Their first three children, Carol, Larry and Renee were born in Moorhead, MN. Their last three children, Michelle, Bev and Kevin were born while living on the farm in Alice. Mom worked very hard on the farm, and was a true “farm woman”. Mom created wonderful memories for all of her children while growing up on the farm. Her children looked forward to her homemade bread, buns and other treats. She had a huge garden and was famous for sharing all of her canned goods with her family. Mom created beauty all around her, she had beautiful flower beds and her home always had vases of fresh cut flowers. Mom also did beautiful embroidery work, ceramics, sewing cloths and refurnishing wood furniture. Mom also supplied most of the flowers for all of her children’s weddings. It seemed there wasn’t anything that Mom could not create. Mary also shared her flowers with friends and St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Alice, ND. Mary was a very active member of this parish and served numerous church dinners, weddings and funerals. Mom and Dad loved to go dancing on Saturday nights. During this time men dressed in suits and women in high heels. Mom and Dad were graceful, smooth dancers. Mom’s love of music was strong even at the end of her life. In 1986, Mom and Dad moved off the family farm into Valley City. Mary volunteered at the Nearly Nu Store for many years, she greatly enjoyed all of the time spent with other volunteers and customers. Mom was her children’s confidant, their rock and their source of wisdom. Two of her famous sayings were, “It is what it is” and “Oh well, whatever”. Mom taught her children to always do their best, that a job should be done well and to always be ready to help and lend a hand. Mom deeply loved her family and spending time with them and was also known to be a match maker. Mom never wanted to be the center of attention; she never complained. She was always happiest helping other people. Mom had moments in her life that were difficult and not fair. Her children were so blessed and fortunate to be able to call her Mom. The past 14 years have been a heartbreaking journey. Her family will always remember the days where Mom would have her wonderful smile and a twinkle in her eye. Mom will remain in her children’s hearts. God is now holding her in His arms. Her children loved her very much and their hearts are filled with gratitude for all she did for them.
Mary is survived by her children Carol (Bruce) Schmidt, Valley City, ND, Larry (Nita) Langer, West Fargo, ND, Renee Herbranson, Fargo, ND, Michelle (Jerry) Dahl, Valley City, ND, Bev (Conrad) Mitzel, Wausau, WI, and Kevin (Kris) Langer, Valley City, ND; two brothers, Earl (Connie) Behm and Lorny (Jeri) Behm, all Valley City, ND; her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Julius, her parents and son-in-law, Rick Herbranson.
Mary’s family would like to acknowledge the caregivers at the Cottage who were loved by Mary. It was comforting for the family to know that Mary felt safe and cared for. It was evident with the smiles she would give the caregivers. Mary’s family would like to thank these caregivers for taking care of and loving Mary.
Funeral arrangements are by the Lerud Schuldt Funeral Home of Valley City. Online guestbook available at lerudschuldt.com.