Young Ja "Judy" Lang

Young Ja “Judy” Lang, of Wellington, Colorado passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021. She was born March 2, 1935 in Seoul, Korea to father Ung Young Kang and mother Myung Soon Chang. Young Ja had a rich life that included numerous cultures, multiple religions, and diverse communities. Young Ja’s childhood was marked by the Japanese occupation of Korea, which required that she learn to speak and write both Korean and Japanese. Korea was liberated from Japan in 1945, but the Korean conflict brought war to Young Ja when North Korea crossed the 38th Parallel in 1950. Years of war ensued with attendant hardship, but the pain of war was mitigated when she crossed paths with Robert Lang who served for the U.S. Army in the Korean conflict. Robert offered to support an orphan who was living with Young Ja’s family and the introduction was serendipitous. Robert and Young Ja married in 1958 and enjoyed 53 years together until Robert’s death in 2011.

Young Ja was a quick learner and provided her family with a rich home life that incorporated well-made American food, delicious Korean food, and the cultures of both countries. Young Ja was social and graciously invited many guests into her home to share delicious meals, pies, cakes and most importantly, friendship. Young Ja, Robert and daughters, Sue and Cindy, moved from Essex, Iowa to Loveland, Colorado in 1964. The family moved to Fort Collins in 1965 and were thrilled to welcome their son, Bob, born in August 1965.

Family was her passion. Camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities were a big part of her life and filled nearly every weekend in the summer months. Young Ja could filet two perch a minute with no bones missed! She enjoyed being a snowbird in Arizona for several years and made enduring friendships that brought her the joy of hours of card games and board games. She taught her family to enjoy a robust card game and a good scrap! Understanding the important things in life, Young Ja asked with apparent pain during the Seahawks recent loss in the Super Bowl, “Why they pass?”

Young Ja loved her family deeply and the pain of her loss reflects their knowledge that they were loved by her. She will be missed, but her strong influence and passionate values will live on through her children and grandchildren.

Young Ja is survived by her children, Sue aka KiSook (Rick) Wagner of Fort Collins, Colorado, Cindy aka KiSong (Earl) Caditz of Mercer Island, Washington, and Robert (Terri) Lang of Wellington, Colorado; grandchildren Kate Wagner, Jayne (David) Wagner, Aaron Caditz, Emily Caditz, Bob (Chandra) Lang, Justin Lang, and Jennifer Lang; and great grandchildren Bob Lang and Charley Caditz. She is also survived by sisters, MinJa Schlatter, MoonJa Kang, and OakJa Kang and a brother, Young Kil Kang.

In addition to her parents and husband Robert Lang, she was predeceased by her brother, Young Nam Kang (Seoul, Korea).

The family wishes to extend our appreciation and thanks to the staff at UC Cancer Center, Poudre Valley Hospital and Pathways Hospice for their wonderful support and kindness in taking care of Young Ja.