Left: George Lang in 2016 for CCF Board; Right: George Lang’s high school yearbook photo, 1960
Throughout George Lang’s life, he looked for ways to add benefit and value to our Catholic community. He shared his talents with CommonBond Communities, Cretin-Derham Hall High School, the Knights of Columbus, his parish of St. Odilia, the City of Shoreview Community Foundation and Planning Commission, the Jaycees, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and more — most especially CCF.
George’s servant leadership impacted the lives of countless individuals. Though his earthly journey ended in April 2024, his legacy continues to benefit the communities and organizations he loved. George and his wife of 53 years, Carol, founded the Lang Family Charitable Endowment Fund at CCF, which provides annual financial support to the organizations they designated in perpetuity.
A Life Devoted to Serving
A graduate of Cretin High School, George attended the University of Notre Dame and became a member of the ROTC. After graduating in 1964, he served two years of active duty in the Army, which included one year in Vietnam. Shortly after returning to the United States, George began his 31-year career at St. Paul Companies (now Travelers). His passion for lifelong learning led him to enroll in the first MBA class at the University of St. Thomas. Meanwhile, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves for 26 years as a military intelligence officer.
Despite juggling work, military service, and family, George always found opportunities to share his wealth of knowledge in mathematics, finance, and real estate. After his passing, George’s family uncovered awards for his volunteerism dating to the early 1970s. With each new discovery, they marveled at the far-reaching effect George had on others.
“He always wanted to help where he could. If people asked him to volunteer for this or that, he would say ‘yes,’” explains his daughter, Michelle. “He was just one of those people who would do anything for anyone. I don’t know where he found all the time. You know, multiple committees, all these various places, a lot of different things. It’s amazing.”
George, pictured with his family, was named City of Shoreview Citizen of the Year in 2015.
Fueled By Faith
George’s Catholic faith powered his passion for giving to others, and his acts of service and generosity extended to his parish community, the Church of St. Odilia in Shoreview. George was a much-valued member of the committees he served on,” says Father Phillip Rask, retired priest and former pastor of St. Odilia. “His expertise and his financial knowledge and experience were prodigious.”
Reflecting on George’s contributions as a parish trustee, Father Rask continues, “I knew that the parish business was not only in capable hands, but the hands of a parishioner devoted to the mission, who loved his parish.
A Wise and Patient Guide
George intertwined his faith and professional experience in his contributions to CCF. In total, he served the CCF Board of Directors and the Investment Committee for 17 years. “When George retired from our board, I acknowledged how grateful we all were for his wise and patient guidance regarding CCF’s development, strategy, and investment activities,” says CCF President Anne Cullen Miller. “When George decided to speak, everyone listened — always. He was intellectually very gifted, but when he spoke, he found ways to make it seem like the wisdom he brought to the table was actually yours.”
A Legacy of Giving
George additionally contributed to the community through charitable financial support. For several years, George and Carol granted from their CCF donor advised fund. Later on, they made the decision to establish the Lang Family Charitable Endowment Fund, allowing George’s generosity to flourish in perpetuity.
“George was a model of joyfulness and generosity, eagerly contributing his time, treasure, and extensive talents,” says Anne. “And he shared it all selflessly.”