Lang, Elsie Mehlhop

Elsie Mehlhop Lang passed on Thursday, Oct. 29, in Solon, Iowa. Elsie was 88 years old at her death, and 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 Teachers College (now UNI) from 1942–1943. 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. Elsie 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 bookkeeping 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 12th 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 handwritten letters. Lucky recipients enjoyed newsy, humorous stories, written in impeccable penmanship.

The community organizations 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 a Girl Scout and a 4-H leader. In honor of her contributions 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. All of Allen and Elsie's five children are living: Allen G. Lang (married to Joy Engel) in Ames, Tania Lang Burger in Massachusetts, Susan Lee (married to Stephen) in Solon, Rebecca Lang-Boyd (married to Tom) in Washington state, and Julie Lang in Vermont. Eleven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren make up the rest of the immediate Lang family.

Memorial donations in Elsie Lang's name may be made to Mercy Foundation Iowa City and Iowa City Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at Lensing Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will follow at the Kirkwood Room. Three generations of Lang children will be present for visiting hours on Friday, Nov. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 14, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Online condolences may be directed to