Hans Langsjoen

Hans Alfred Langsjoen, MD. passed away at age 77 on June 22, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and best friend, Hans will be greatly missed.

Born on December 28, 1947 in New Ulm, Minnesota, Hans was the oldest of five children born to Per H. and Carol M. Langsjoen. During early childhood, as a member of a military family, he moved frequently before settling in Temple, Texas where he attended junior high school and high school. Afterward, he entered the University of Texas at Austin majoring in chemistry, followed by medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, graduating in 1973.

Hans’s medical career took him first to Austin, Texas as an intern, followed by 3 years as an emergency room specialist in Amarillo and Temple, Texas. Hans then moved to Fargo, North Dakota after accepting a residency in internal medicine at the University of North Dakota Medical Complex, where he met a fellow physician, Karen Rasmusson, who became his wife in May of 1982.

Hans and Karen relocated to Galveston, Texas where Hans completed a neurology residency, and both he and Karen became members of the faculty in the neurology department of UTMB. While in Galveston, Hans and Karen joyfully welcomed three daughters into their family: Maren, Erika, and Rose. After retirement, Hans and Karen returned to Fargo, North Dakota.

Hans was a brilliant physician and teacher, earning the admiration and respect of hundreds of neurology residents, patients, and colleagues. He was also a talented musician and was a major participant in the emerging live music culture of Austin, Texas during the decade of the 70’s. Most weekends, when not on call, Hans played bass with the popular country and western duo, Dan and Dave, at the Back Room in Austin.

After retiring from UTMB, he moved to Fargo, ND. There he would spend hours playing chess and loved the chess club in Fargo. He was an avid reader and enjoyed his book clubs. His favorite social outing was going to hear Tucke’d out at the Troll Lounge, as well as spending time with his friend, Ron.

Hans enjoyed the simple things in life; his beloved dogs, a game of chess with a worthy opponent, a good book, and the wildlife and pastoral beauty of the Langsjoen family homestead farm in the lake country of western Minnesota. A simple meal of peanut butter and jelly sandwich (jelly optional) would send him into ecstasy, lavishing praise and seeking your culinary secrets. He saw the humor in the absurdity of life, exploding in gales of laughter while participating in a dramatic reading of Gertrude Stein’s Tender Buttons.

Hans never sought riches or status and would humbly and generously share his insights and wisdom, but never unsolicited. He was truly an extraordinary man, a hidden treasure known to few, but to those few who knew him, a blessing beyond compare.

Hans is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Maren Langsjoen and husband Jeff Haussler and their daughter Malin; daughter, Erika Langsjoen and husband Mitchell McDaniel; and daughter, Rose Langsjoen and husband Eric Fitts; brother, Peter H. Langsjoen; sister, Heidi A. Langsjoen; and sister, Kristen Jesse.