Karen Lang-Erlandson

On Monday, September 30, 2019, Karen Louise Lang-Erlandson, beloved wife and mother of three, passed away at the age of 53. 

Karen was born in Swift Current, SK on October 19, 1965 to Arnold and Eva Lang. She grew up on the family farm in the village of Rheinfeld. She received lots of love from her older sisters, Sharon and June. She loved growing up with many cats and dogs, and one summer she even raised and cared for a baby fox (and the many fleas that came along with him!). She carried her love of animals with her for the rest of her life. 

Karen graduated from the Swift Current Comprehensive High School in 1983 and received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan in 1987. It was during university that she attended a Lutheran Student Movement dance where she met Wayne Erlandson. They were married on July 18, 1987. They resided in Saskatoon and enjoyed traveling and handicrafts like woodworking, painting, and sewing.

In April 1993 Karen suffered the loss of her first daughter, Olivia. Although it was a dark time for Karen, the tragedy also led to her getting involved with Compassionate Friends, where she received a great amount of support and began to realize her own capacity for supporting others. Daughter Emilie arrived in May 1995 and twins Erika and Andrea followed in December 1996. 

In 2003 Karen and her family moved to Swift Current, SK. She joined the city staff in support of the RCMP in 2009. She became involved with Southwest Victim Services in 2012 and quickly developed a passion for the program. She joined on as the Assistant Coordinator and became Coordinator in 2015. During her time with Victim Services, Karen developed many relationships with clients, volunteers, and coworkers. Her compassion, empathy, and gentle manner allowed her to connect with people and help them in their most vulnerable moments. Karen’s faith contributed to her kindness and compassion. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Lutheran Church. 

Karen was preceded in death by her daughter Olivia. She is survived by her parents, Arnold and Eva, her husband, Wayne, her daughters, Emilie, Erika, and Andrea, her sisters, Sharon (Bob) and June (Mark), as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The Funeral Service for Karen Lang-Erlandson was held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 3:00 pm from St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Linda Hall officiating. “O God, Beyond All Praising,” “My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” and “Go, My Children with My Blessing” were sung by the congregation, with Arlie Neufeld serving as organist. Family memories were shared by Erin Wuthrich, memories of Karen were shared by Carrie Davis. The Scripture reading, Micah 6:6-8 and Matthew 5:1-10, was given by Audrey Balaton and Lynda Erlandson.

The Private Family Interment Service was held from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Jerry Funk, Stan Friesen, Ken Bassendowski, Wes Froese, Bryan Balaton, Marcus Erlandson, Kent Evenson, and Lane Evenson serving as Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Karen Lang-Erlandson, donations made to Southwest Victim Services, the Swift Current SPCA, and Canadian Lutheran World Relief would be appreciated by the family.

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