Sten Marti Langsjoen

Sten, an esteemed and respected criminal defense attorney, father, and husband, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on December 3, 1957, in Aurora, Colorado. Sten was raised near and around Temple. Sten graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in English. Adventures with his brothers and friends marked this era – seldom photographed but fondly recalled. He then graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law and earned his J.D. in May of 1983. Sten dedicated his life to the defense of those accused of crimes and to the mentoring of a new generation of attorneys. Throughout his distinguished career, Sten earned a reputation not only for his ability to defend those in need but also for his generosity as a mentor. He trained and guided many attorneys, impressing upon them the importance of creating a clean and thorough record at trial to preserve issues for appeal. Sten was also an innovator, introducing cutting-edge tools such as 3D crime scene reconstruction to bring clarity and precision to his cases. His dedication to his craft was matched only by his warmth as a person. Outside of his legal work, Sten and his beloved wife, Lorinda (Lori), found joy and purpose in working side-by-side on their farm, caring for their cows, building fences, and barns. Their shared love for each other and for the simple pleasures of life was evident to all who knew them, woven into every glance, every gentle word, and every small act of kindness they exchanged. Whether working side by side in their Tyler office, tending to the farm in Alba, or simply enjoying a quiet evening together, Sten and Lori radiated a sense of partnership that was both steadfast and tender. Friends often remarked that their bond was not just seen but felt—a quiet strength that inspired others to value the everyday moments as much as the grand ones. Sten was an avid storyteller and listener. He loved telling stories of the wayward cow that always seemed to choose docket days to attempt an escape, as if the animal had an uncanny sense of timing. With a twinkle in his eye, he would recount how he’d swap his courtroom suit for worn boots, sprinting across pastures in the early morning, trying to outwit his four-legged fugitive before making it to court. These tales, told with his signature humor, became a favorite among friends and colleagues, a reminder that even the most dedicated attorney could be called to an unexpected kind of justice on the farm. Sten made a point of bringing fish back to his colleagues whenever he and Lori traveled to Galveston, turning the simple act into a cherished and appreciated tradition. It wasn’t just about the fresh catch—it was his way of sharing the adventure with those who had stayed behind in East Texas. For Sten, these gifts were a reminder that even when work kept people rooted in one place, a bit of the world beyond could be brought back to them, wrapped in paper and rich with the scent of the sea. Sten is survived by his beloved wife, Lorinda (Lori); his children, Dane and his wife Jessica Langsjoen, Brett and his wife Marina Langsjoen, Kira Langsjoen, Kimberlie and her husband Jeramy Wiley, and Levi Clatterbuck; his brother Peter and sister-in-law Ali Langsjoen, sisters Heidi Langsjoen, Kristen and Richard Jesse, sister-in law Karen Langsjoen, grandchildren August, Orin, Emma, Mila, Shenoah, Xavier, Sidra, Rosalei, Hunter, and Kendal; and numerous and much-loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Per H and Carol M. Langjoen, and his brother, Hans Langsjoen. Sten leaves behind a profound void in the hearts of those who loved and admired him. His legacy of kindness, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to justice will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be greatly missed.

Sten Marti Langsjoen

December 3, 1957 - August 7, 2025