Joseph Langer, age 86, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society, Lakota, ND.

Joseph Richard “Joe” Langer was born on February 24, 1940 in Belcourt, ND to Joseph and Virginia (Patnaude) Langer. He was raised in Belcourt, attending school in Stephan, SD, Medicine Lake middle school, and graduating from high school in Sacramento, CA. He enlisted in the United States AirForce in 1960 and received an honorable discharge in 1980. He dedicated 20 years to his military service as a staff sergeant traveling to Korea, Japan, Germany and the Philippines. Following his military service career Joe worked for the BIA in property and supply as a clerk for 16 years, retiring in 2003. He was the proud father of one daughter, JoAnn, and son, Thomas Baker. Joe was united in marriage to Rita Baker on May 17, 1986 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Belcourt. Joe was a gifted at leather work and crafts, making many keepsakes throughout the years. He loved caring for his horses in his younger years, breaking and caring for horses, of which brought him much joy. Joseph also loved dancing at the bush dances, and loved his old country music. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Rita (Baker) Langer of Belcourt; daughter, JoAnn (Abner) Hendrickson, of New Mexico; son, Thomas Baker of Belcourt; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Lorraine Harrington and Patricia Engelbretson, both of Portland, OR; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and half-sisters, Bernadine Morin and Beulah Jean Boone.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and a Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass. Burial will follow funeral services at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND. Military Funeral Honors by the Lilley-Dionne American Legion Post #262 of Belcourt, ND.

Paul Bearers are Thomas Baker, Kelan Gourneau, Patrick Terry Baker, Carl Baker, Alvin Poitra, and Terry McCloud. Honorary Bearers are all nieces and nephews. Music by Jerry Parisien, David Azure, and Craig Lunday. Readers are Sandra Poitra Provost and Connie Baker. Rosary led by Jerry and Kandace Parisien. Eucharistic Gifts by Luke and Connie Baker.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and a Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass. Burial will follow funeral services at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND. Military Funeral Honors by the Lilley-Dionne American Legion Post #262 of Belcourt, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.