Kristen Langlie

Kristen Joy Langlie, age 37, passed away suddenly, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of joy, resilience, and the purest form of kindness.

Born on August 17, 1987, at what was then St. Luke’s Hospital, Kristen’s life began with a remarkable fight that was marked by tornado sirens sounding the night. She spent her first two years in the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units where she was blessed with some amazing caregivers (too numerous to name!), and from the very beginning, she taught those around her the meaning of strength and perseverance.

The beloved daughter of Bob and Teri Langlie, Kris faced many physical and cognitive challenges throughout her life, including countless hospital stays. But those things did not define her. Kris was known for her bright spirit, radiant smile, and her deep love for music of all kinds. She delighted in the simple joys of pop, popcorn, cheeseburgers, side salad, and ice cream — her favorites. Kris enjoyed spending time at family gatherings catching up on the recent life events of her uncles, aunts, and cousins. She also loved having three aunts “competing” for the title of favorite aunt.

Kris graduated from high school with her classmates, who walked alongside her during those years. Among her dearest friends were Matthew Green, Kathryn (Bergee) McIntyre, Kayla (Bergee) Fischer, Michael Anderson, Angela Berland, Brittiany (Bowlus) Rasmussen and so many more who helped make school a place of belonging and friendship for her. Kris was very proud to have been escorted by not one, but two dates - Matthew and Jason Guthrie - to her Junior and Senior prom. She was truly blessed by friends in high school.

Immediately after high school, Kris worked through Connections, where she cleaned hotel rooms at the Radisson Hotel and later participated in their day program. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected her social life, but Kris stayed connected with the outside world through Zoom sessions with Greater Minnesota Community Services, always winning games of Bingo and Farkle (much to everyone’s amazement since she often played without dice or a bingo card!). Recently, she began attending their in-person day program, which brought her so much joy — especially the outings to the Roasted Rail.

Kris was an active member of the Arc of Cass County, where she had the opportunity to testify before the North Dakota Congress about the importance of tax credits for employers of people with disabilities. Kristen proudly earned certificates from both Partners in Policymaking and Life Academy through the Arc after completing their respective training programs. She also educated hundreds of people about the power of people-first language — always reminding future teachers and community members to see the person before the disability. Kris was honored to serve as emcee along with her sister at the Arc Annual Meeting. Kris also served as vice president of United Voices, a self-advocacy group out of the Arc.

In 2010, Kris was honored as the Metro Area Mayor’s Committee Outstanding Citizen — a testament to the impact she had on the community.

Kris is survived by her loving parents, Bob and Teri Langlie; her sisters and brother-in-law, Kati and Dave Nelson, and Kelsi Langlie; and her adored nieces and nephews, Gaven, Aiden, Anna, Kalli, and Gage Nelson. She is also survived by her grandparents Doug and Joan Ackling, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins who loved her deeply.

Preceding her in death were her aunt Traci Ackling, cousin Kevin Langlie, uncle Tony Boyer, and grandparents Ed and Gracie Langlie.

To know Kris was to love her. Her laughter, her sweet nature, and her unshakable spirit touched countless lives. She showed us how to love fully, live joyfully, and advocate fiercely — not despite her challenges, but because of the strength she found in facing them.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Arc of Cass County or Greater Minnesota Community Services in Kristen’s memory.

Her life was a gift from God. Her legacy is love.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 5PM to 7PM with a Prayer Service at 7 PM, in Hope Lutheran Church, North Campus, Fargo, ND.

 Kristen's Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 11 AM in Hope Lutheran Church, North Campus, Fargo. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Frazee, MN on a later date.