Herbert Brian Langer

Langer, Herbert

Whitmore Lake, MI 

His Legacy… Herbert Brian Langer, 62, passed away January 29, 2023 after a long courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.  He was born on August 4, 1960, in Independence, Missouri, to Herbert Walter Langer and Donna Lee (Kelso) Langer. Herb married the love of his life, Mary Ellen (Zaragoza), on November 12, 1988 in Detroit, Michigan. 

Herb was born in Independence, Missouri.  His family moved to Michigan when he was four.  After his parents’ divorce he enjoyed time at both of their lakefront homes.  One in Commerce on Union lake the other in Waterford on Watkins lake.  He has many friends and fond memories of those years. He graduated from Walled Lake Central in 1978.  For a few years he worked as a cook.  After spending a night in OCJ he decided he had better get his act together and enrolled at Wayne State University.  He graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.  Out of college he worked as a Field Service Tech at Udylite in the electroplating industry.  There he had many mentors who he spoke of often; Conrad Berube, Zel Culter, Dan Wheeler, Bob Tremmel and a few others. After Udylite he went to Ecology and Environment where he analyzed and monitored toxic waste clean-up sites.   In 1995 due to his MS he went on disability.  From then on he stayed at home and did as much as he could to help his family.  He spent the last ten years of his life at Evangelical Home of Saline.  The staff took wonderful care of him.  They are the best.  He said frequently he missed working, playing golf and hockey and a nice slow dance with his wife.

Herb will be remembered as a strong individual despite his struggle with MS. He always had a smile on his face, a great sense of humor, a lover of rock and roll, baseball, golf and hockey.   He had a deep Catholic faith which he shared with many as a catechist and member of the Knights of Columbus. His love of faith, family and life was inspiring. 

His Family… Herb will be missed by his wife, Mary Ellen; his children, Herbie and Nolan; his father Herbert Walter Langer; his siblings Lindsy, Kevin, and Jill. He is preceded in death by his mother Donna Lee and beloved step mother Mary Carol.

His Farewell… Herb’s family and friends will gather on Monday, February 6th from 2 pm to 8 at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. A rosary will be said at 7pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 7th at St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church Brighton, MI. Viewing at 10am with Mass to follow at 11 am. Fr. Paul Erikson will serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church youth group and religious formation programs.  Please leave a message of comfort for Herb’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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