Astrid Karen Lang

Astrid Karen Lang passed away on June 3, 2018 at the age of 97. She is survived by her son, Gregory, her daughter-in-law Ruth and grandchildren Ricky and Clara. Astrid was born in San Francisco to Anfin and Karen Rogenes. Her father was a sea captain and her mother was a housewife who took care of Astrid, her brother Sven and her sister Sylvia. Astrid graduated from Mission High School and attended San Francisco City College where she majored in tennis and minored in academics. She worked for Wells Fargo Bank where she met her future husband George. Astrid and George were married in 1948 and settled down on the Peninsula where they raised their son Greg. Astrid truly enjoyed being a mother. She loved having Greg’s friends over to the house for fun and games and especially enjoyed watching them play Wiffle Ball. She always provided the teams with a hearty lunch and ice-cold Cokes between their hot summer doubleheaders. Every year, Astrid looked forward to the family vacation which was spent on Hat Creek where they would fish and play cards. She caught her share of limits and even landed the “Biggest Fish of the Trip” several times. At home, Astrid enjoyed gardening and planted a vegetable garden every year. Her beloved dog, Norman, would often “help” Astrid by sleeping peacefully under a nice shade tree while she toiled in the hot sun. She made plum jelly and apricot jam from the fruit grown in the yard. Nothing was better than her fresh apricot pie for dessert. In her mid-40’s, Astrid took up the game of golf. This was a brilliant move as she enjoyed the game tremendously but more importantly established many, many lifetime friendships. She became Captain of the Palo Alto Wednesday 9 Hole Women’s Group and Captain of the Palo Alto Women’s 18 Hole Group. She had two hole-in-ones in her golfing career. She also served as President of the Sigrid Undset Chapter of the Daughters of Norway. While holding various positions she often would be called upon to talk to the groups. Every member was always excited to hear Astrid speak as she was known for her humor and laugh-filled presentations. She also belonged to the Sons of Norway, Job’s Daughters and Eastern Star organizations. Astrid remained active and independent into her late 80’s. She drove her car to the grocery store, walked her dog, Norman around the neighborhood, and participated in swimming and yoga sessions at the YWCA. She was the biggest Giants fan this side of the Mississippi and watched every game on TV with her Giants hat on and orange rally towel close at hand to cheer them on. She enjoyed playing the piano her entire life and was learning to play “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” at age 95. A Celebration of Life service will be held for Astrid at Berge-Pappas-Smith Mortuary at 40842 Fremont Blvd, Fremont at 11:30 AM on Monday, June 25. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Astrid to: Sons of Norway Peder P. Johnson Scholarship Fund C/O Karen Rende 154 Devonshire Blvd. San Carlos, CA 94070