Joan Arlene Dillenbeck Lang, a kind, quiet, and soft-spoken woman who deeply loved her family passed away September 21, 2026.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 28, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck, ND. Visitation will be held from 3-5 PM on Sunday, September 27, at Parkway Funeral Service.

Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck, ND.

She was born on July 12, 1940, in Prattsburgh, New York, to Carl and Neva (Nims) Dillenbeck and grew up in Prattsburgh. She graduated from Prattsburgh High School in 1960 and after high school, she worked for the telephone company in Prattsburgh.

Through a friend of her sister, Joan met Dick Lang, the love of her life and the beginning of a true love story. Their relationship began by writing letters back and forth before they finally met in person. They were married on May 26, 1962, in Prattsburgh, New York. Shortly after their marriage, Dick served in the U.S. Army, and the couple was stationed in Germany. Joan returned stateside in November 1963. Their son, Jim, was born in February 1964.

Following Dick’s discharge from the Army, the family moved to Hammond, Indiana, where their daughter, Bonnie, was born in June 1965. They lived in Indiana for ten years before settling in Bismarck, North Dakota, in November of 1975.

Over the years, Joan worked various jobs, including a short time at Hardee’s. She spent many dedicated years working at St. Alexius Medical Center from 1977 until her retirement in 1998.

Joan was a gentle, caring soul. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights in her life that brought peace and joy to each moment they spent together. She was always willing to babysit whenever needed as her family was the center of her world.

Due to ongoing pain with back issues and the need for assistance, Joan moved to Missouri Slope Nursing Home in January 2024. She truly enjoyed her time there, participating in social events, playing BINGO, adult coloring, and proudly being a member of the Red Hat Club.

Joan is survived and will be greatly missed by her children, Jim (Theresa) Lang and Bonnie (Edward) Schaff, all of Bismarck; her grandchildren, Jaymee (Troy) Dewey of Bismarck, Derek (Lauren) Schaff of Baldwin, Gregory Schaff of Tucson, Arizona, Bradley (Kate) Schaff of Ogden, Utah, and Ryan (Sarah) of West Fargo, North Dakota; and her nine great-grandchildren, Sutton, Bexley, Emery, Hannah, Kendree, Beau, Freya, Rory, and Felix Schaff. She is also survived by her brother, Dale (Scheryl) Dillenbeck of Holley, New York, and her sister-in-law, Maida Gilbraith of Fargo, North Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her parents, Carl and Neva Dillenbeck; her sister, Caroline, and brother-in-law, Myron Baron; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jane and Harold “Curly” Trett; and her brother-in-law, Jerry Gilbraith.

Joan will be remembered for her quiet strength, her kindness, and her unwavering love for her family.

"The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Missouri Slope for their compassionate care and kindness over the past nearly three years. You didn’t just care for our mom, Joan — you loved her like family, and for that, we are forever grateful."