Larry Gene Kangas

IRON BELT, Wis. - Larry Gene Kangas, 72, of Island Lake in Iron Belt, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, at home, following a brave two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on the Kangas family farm in Iron Belt on Aug. 11, 1942, to Laila and Eino Kangas, and his given Finnish name was Lauri. He was united in marriage to Betty Marie Perttula on Oct. 2, 1965, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood, Mich.

Larry graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in August of 1966. He spent his entire working career at 3M headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., holding various product development and manufacturing management positions, and retired after 34 years.

Betty and Larry raised their family in Hudson, Wis., and then began a 13-year adventure in Alaska. Larry enjoyed hunting and fishing in the mountains of Alaska, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. His best times were in the mountains and with his grandchildren, who he was so proud of.

Larry was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood and previously was a faithful member of both Redeemer Lutheran Church in Burkhardt, Wis., and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wasilla, Alaska.

Surviving are his wife, Betty; daughters, Julie (Troy) Barrett, North St. Paul, Minn., Jody Kangas, Rochester, Minn., and Susan (Takashi) Kangas, Shoreview, Minn .; grandchildren, Rubie, Laila, Naura, Piper, Gunnar and Alexander; brothers, Rudy and Alan, Iron Belt; numerous nieces and nephews; relatives and friends; and his beloved dog, Maija.

Larry was predeceased by his parents, Eino and Laila, and a brother, Richard.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at 1 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church on Midland Ave. in Ironwood, with the Rev. Kurt Kovanen officiating.

Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Committal and interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Iron Belt.

Larry's family will receive relatives and friends from noon until the time of services at the church on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc., Ironwood, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.