James Matthew Langan

November 9, 1928 — August 20, 2016

James “Jim” Langan passed away on Saturday, August 20th with family by his side. He was 87 years old.

He was born on Nov 9, 1928, the fifth child of a Iarge Irish family who found a life of farming in western Minnesota. Jim grew up on the family farm in Swift County; he started his education in the one-room school house in Tara Township and graduated from the Morris Agricultural School.

An avid athlete, he became a pitcher and joined the semi-professional baseball league of the 1940s in Minnesota. He spent a few years pitching before being drafted into the Army. After being stationed in France, he was honorably discharged and made his way back to Minnesota where he and his brother, Jack, enjoyed farming.

In 1956, Jim married LaVayne Rovang, a school teacher from South Dakota who had recently started teaching in Benson. Together, they established their own farm adjacent to Jim’s childhood home. Through their 60 years of marriage they raised four children and adored their two grandchildren. They sold cattle, farmed the traditional crops of corn, wheat and beans, and later started Charlie’s Hunting Club. On any given day, Jim Langan, the Irishman with the quick wit, could be found sharing quips and stories that kept his family and friends entertained.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, LaVayne, as well as his three children, Patricia Richard (Dean), Jeanne Langan and Joseph Langan, his two grandchildren, Matthew Richard and AJ Richard and his sister, Margaret (Peg) Carruthers. He is preceded in death by his son Matthew Langan and his parents Matthew and Margaret Langan, along with brother and sisters Dorothy, Angela, Jack, Helen and Pat.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

1:00am - 2:00 pm (Central time)

St. Malachy Catholic Church in Clontarf

121 Grace Avenue, Clontarf, MN 56226

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