Donald C. Tang

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Donald C. Tang, 90 of Moorhead, MN, passed away Monday, June 9, 2025, at Serenity Assisted Living, Dilworth, MN.

Donald Clarence Tang was born March 13, 1935, the son of Clarence and Delores (Willcut) Tang, in Moorhead, MN. He was raised in Moorhead and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1953. Following graduation, Don proudly served in the U.S. Army during the closing phases of the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge, he returned to Moorhead.

Don met the love of his life, Esther Haugen, at her brother’s store, Lincoln Grocery, in Moorhead. They were united in marriage on August 5, 1956, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead. Together, they established their home North of Moorhead where they raised their family. Don began his career with NSP (now Xcel Energy) starting in the coal fired power plant in Fargo, ND and later transitioning to a Lineman position. Whenever Mother Nature got angry, you could find Don on a power pole getting someone’s lights back on, all hours of the day or night in the worst weather.

Don accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in the early 1980’s. As a Lineman for NSP, he was charged with getting the power required for the Billy Graham Crusade at NDSU connected in 1987. This gave him great joy as not only was he instrumental in people seeing and hearing Billy Graham that week, we also got to hear Esther sing in Billy’s famous choir. After his retirement Don and Esther embraced the warmth of winters in Harlingen, TX where they enjoyed 21 sunny seasons together. Esther passed away on September 24, 2020. In the last year of his life, Don resided at Serenity Assisted Living.

Throughout his life, Don found great joy spending time with family. Many cherished memories were made snowmobiling at their “shack” in the Northwoods of Minnesota, and summers at their tiny cabin on Star Lake. Don taught a lot of people how to fish and waterski over the years at that cabin. He was an avid Walleye fisherman, always trying to find “Walter”. Don was also an accomplished painter; nature scenes were his favorite subjects. In the later years, he took pleasure (and a few Mulligans) on the golf courses in Harlingen and having breakfasts at Alicia’s Mexican Restaurant. Don was also a devoted fan of the NDSU Bison, passionately supporting the team throughout the years, including a few trips to Frisco, TX for championships.

He will be dearly missed by his children, Rachele Tang, Fargo, Randy (Meldine) Tang, Harwood, ND, Kristofer (Kerri) Tang and Jason (Vicki) Tang, both of Moorhead; grandchildren, Brandon (Tina) Markey, Joe (Andrea) Markey, Tom (Amanda) Tang, Alex (Beth) Tang, Zach (Mina Vugdalic) Tang, Elora (Raum) Deckert, Anna (Aaron) Crume, Kiana (Nathan) Baker, Nicole (Garren) Colegrove, Carter Larghe, Jaycie Larghe, Kayla (Leif) Johnson and Alyssa (Aaron) Butler; great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Waylon, Alexis and Adrian Markey, Taylor, Keelie and Reese Tang, Hazel Crume, Harley and Madison Colegrove, Camile Baker, Lyle, Haans and Rose Johnson, Louise Butler and Jase Kotzer; brothers, Gary “Pat” (Gaye) Tang, and Dave Tang; sister, Debbie (Dave) Armstrong; sister-in-law, Anita Tang; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Esther, parents, sister, Rose Marie Oberlander and brother, Glenn Tang.

The family would like to thank Serenity Assisted Living and Hospice of the Red River Valley for their love and amazing care they provided for Don.

In memory of Don (the big sports fan) the family would like you to wear your NDSU Bison apparel, or that of your favorite team.

A Visitation for Don will be Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service, at Grace Covenant Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation will continue Friday, June 13, 2025, one hour prior to Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM, at Grace Covenant Church. Burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Harwood, ND.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)