Lang, Elsie (Mehlhop) 1921-2009

LANG, MEHLHOP

Posted By: Linda Mohning (email)
Date: 5/10/2012 at 12:29:33

Elsie Mehlhop Lang, 88, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2009 in Solon, Iowa. Elsie resided at the Solon Care Center.
Elsie was born to Henry W. Mehlhop and Emma Erichsen Mehlhop on July 11, 1921 in Remsen, located in northwest Iowa. She grew up on the family farm with a brother, and two older sisters: George, Alma and Marie. At Remsen High School Elsie met her future husband Allen. Allen and Elsie both attended Iowa State University, where Elsie graduated in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Foods and Nutrition. She was employed as Assistant to the Director of Food Service for Iowa State Teacher’s College (now UNI) from 1942-43.
On March 18, 1943, Elsie and Allen were married in Ames. Elsie, Allen and baby Allen G. Lang moved to Iowa City, where Allen began his veterinary practice. She took pride in her accomplishments as a professional homemaker as she and Allen raised five children, moving from a home on Brown Street in the city, to an acreage on Prairie du Chien Road. They first lived in a historic 1856 home known as Pinehurst, and then in 1985 they moved into a new home, Prairie Edge, on the same property. Elsie transformed each house into a home, utilizing her expert skill in sewing, cooking and design. She also devoted one day a week to book-keeping at the veterinary office.
Elsie leaves to her offspring a legacy of artistic creation, culinary skills and deep appreciation for friends and family. She created wedding gowns, quilts, calligraphy wall hangings, and braided rugs for her children. Each grandchild received a hand knitted or crocheted afghan for their twelfth birthday. The kitchen was the heart of her home, and from it emerged preserved garden produce, nutritious daily meals for an ever-expanding family, elaborate baked goods, and experiments with the latest recipes. Elsie regularly stayed in touch with college friends and family through long hand-written letters. Lucky recipients enjoyed newsy, humorous stories, written in impeccable penmanship.
The community organization of TTT and Eastern Star attracted Elsie, and she rose to positions of leadership in both. She participated in several of her children’s activities, serving as Girl Scout and a 4-H leader. In honor of her contribution to 4-H, Elsie was named an honorary Johnson County 4-H member. She was also a member of Altrusa International, a women’s professional organization. A long time volunteer at Mercy Hospital, Elsie was a Mercy Guild Life Member. Elsie’s husband of 66 years Allen “Doc” Lang died five months ago.
Survivors include: Allen G. Lang (married to Joy Engel), Ames. Tania Lang Burger, Mass., Susan Lee (married to Stephen), Solon, Iowa, Rebecca Lang-Boyd (married to Tom), Wash., and Julie Lang, Vt. Eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren make up the rest of the immediate Lang family.
A funeral service will be held at Lensing Funeral Home on Saturday, November 14 at 10:30 am. Lunch will follow at Kirkwood Room. Three generations of Lang children will be present for visiting hours on Friday, November 13, 4:00-7:00 pm and Saturday, November 14, beginning at 9:30 am.
Memorial donations in Elsie Lang’s name may be made to Mercy Foundation Iowa City and Iowa City Hospice. On-line condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com . – family news clipping