Erik Lang, age 34, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday morning, July 18, 2013, at his home. For those who knew and loved Erik, they will remember him by his insatiable love of fishing. From musky to walleye, or bluegill from the dock with his nieces, Erik was happiest with a rod and reel. Whether with friends or on his own, he did most of his fishing from the family cabin on Alder Lake in Manitowish Waters. Another love of Erik's was hunting; ducks, deer, pheasants and the like. You know the phrase; “if it flies, it dies,” and Erik was right there with his bow and rifle. When he wasn't enjoying the great outdoors, he was spending time with friends and family. The people in Erik's life brought him his greatest joys and lasting memories, and they would say the same of him. When Erik was around, there was guaranteed to be a story that would be retold for years. Spend the briefest amount of time with those who knew him, and you will start to hear a reoccurring phrase, “Remember the time Erik did this or we did that?”

Erik attended kindergarten at McKinley School spending the rest of his elementary years at Huntley and his middle school years at Einstein. After graduating from Appleton North in 1997, Erik made a career in the hospitality industry.

Erik will not only be survived by, but deeply loved and remembered by: Dianne Lang, Don (Jo Ann) Lang; sisters: Jessica (John) Dennis and Jennifer Lang (fiancé Blake Hildahl); and nieces Wren and Emerson Dennis. He is further survived by Mark (Marilyn) Catlin, Dave (Diana) Lang and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his aunt Kay Hoier and cousin Christopher Hoier, grandparents Mark and Helen Catlin and Jos and Dorothy Lang. Erik will be especially missed by outdoor companions Chris Fietzer, Jon Forsman, Tyler Techlin and Brad Elliott.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 900 N. Mason Street in Appleton, with Rev. Judy Deckert officiating. Friends may call at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton, on Tuesday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again Wednesday at the church from 2:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM. Following the service, a reception will be held at one of Erik's favorite establishments. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to one of two memorial funds: the Appleton Education Foundation to recognize the value Erik found in his school to work experiences in the Appleton Area School District, or Fishing Has No Boundaries, Inc., a non-profit organization whose goal is to open up the great outdoors for people with disabilities through the world of fishing, to promote Erik's love of the outdoors.

The family would like to thank everyone for all the love and support during this most difficult time.