David George Bang, 85 of Bemidji MN passed away peacefully on July 20th, 2026 surrounded by the love of 3 generations of family.
He was born in Crookston on January 7th, 1941 to George and Armadine Bang. He attended Cathedral Schools through high school where he excelled in Football and Hockey. Spending summers at Maple Lake as a child sparked his life long love for the outdoors. Throughout his life he enjoyed Hunting, Fishing, Boating, and Golfing with his family and friends.
He attended UND where he was the only American on the Sioux hockey team. He joined the Army in 1962. Following his honorable discharge, he married his high school sweetheart Karen Albright on April 19th, 1965. They lived in Minneapolis for 3 years where he worked for Shaw Walker. They then returned to Crookston where he was President and Manager of the Coca Cola Bottling Company, which had been in his family since 1906. He served on the board of directors and then as President of the MN Bottlers Association which gave he and Karen the opportunity to travel around the world. He also spent several years as part owner and manager of the Northland Inn.
A loyal supporter of the Crookston community, he dedicated his time and leadership to local businesses and organizations over the years. He was actively involved with the Cathedral Parish, Jaycees, Toast Masters, Rotary, UMC Team Backers, Crookston Jobs Incorporated, and proudly served on the Board of Directors for both Bremer Bank and Dahlgren and Company. He was also a proud charter member of Ducks Unlimited.
Above all of his accomplishments, his main focus and drive was always his family. His whole world revolved around them and he cherished every moment spent in their company. It was this deep love for his family anchored by his steadfast faith that gave him the strength to fiercely battle every health challenge he faced. Alongside his devotion to God and family, the many deep friendships he developed over the decades were a constant source of strength and inspiration in his life.
During his final days in the hospital, we asked his grandkids to describe their grandpa in a single word. Without hesitation they called him loving, humble, kind, honest, wise, selfless, generous, and steadfast. To them he was a man of the utmost integrity and the absolute foundation of our family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Karen Albright Bang, son Michael Bang and his wife Julie, daughter Kristin Innes and husband Todd, daughter Amy Brannan and husband Rob. 7 Grand children, Jordin Innes, Britany Johnson and husband Austin, Ryan Bang and wife Anne, Brianna Anderson and husband Nolan, Andrew Bang, Abigail Mantooth, and Payton Mantooth. Sister Georgine Fries and husband Gregg as well as brother in law Dan Albright and brother in law Bob Albright and wife Joyce. Also many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was proceeded in death by infant son Eric, parents George Bang and Armadine Duval Bang, sister Floellen Quinn, father and mother in law Bill and Doris Albright, sister in law Nancy Albright, sister in law Sue Larson and brother in law Phil Larson.
A funeral mass will be held at 1pm on Friday, July 31st, 2026 at St. Phillips Catholic Church in Bemidji, MN. Visitation will be at 11:30 at the church. Reception to follow in the church gathering space. Internment will be held at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston, MN on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to Tunnel to Towers or St. Judes Children’s Hospital, two charities that were close to Dave’s heart.
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