Rodney Mark Kangas

DULUTH, Minn. - Rodney Mark Kangas, 62, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Feb. 6, 2020 after a brief illness at Essentia St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth. Rodney was born Oct. 16, 1957, to Andrew William Kangas and Florence Miriam (Benson) Kangas.

Rodney was born and raised in Bessemer, Michigan. After graduating from High School Rodney moved in with his sister, Julie, and her husband, Chuck, in 1985 and helped raise three amazing girls, 30+ cows, numerous horses, cats, dogs, pigs, and even chickens. Rodney loved the farm life and enjoyed working at Highline Cooperation, Giovanni's Ace Hardware and the Visitors Center of Hurley. He also loved spending time at the gym to get hugs from the pretty girls, visiting family in faraway places and anything that had to do with superhero's. During the summer he enjoyed camp at Fortune Lake Bible Camp in Crystal Falls, Michigan, where he learned about Jesus and spent off hours playing the guitar with his friends. Rodney's favorite hobbies included watching wrestling and movies, biking, playing with cars, catching up with the neighbors, celebrating birthdays and hugs from pretty girls. Rodney loved spending time with family, traveling, and telling stories of his favorite shows like Bonanza and Godzilla. Rodney spent his life bringing joy to all those he met and made sure everyone who knew Rodney knew how much he loved them!

Rodney is survived by his sister, Julie (Chuck) Kopecko of Bessemer, Michigan; his two brothers, Wayne Kangas of Bessemer, and Kim (Jill) Kangas of Ironwood, Michigan; nieces, Lindi (Brent) Kopecko-Austin, of Sandy, Utah, Charissa (Mike D'Amato) Kopecko, of Greeley, Colorado, and Jessica (Carl) Falkowsky, of Clifton Springs, New York, Amy (Robert) Finton, of Oahu, Hawaii, Heather Kangas, of West Bend, Wisconsin; and one nephew, Kyle Kangas, of Ironwood; three great nieces and three great nephews; several cousins and many many friends.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother, Andy.

Celebration of Life Services for Rodney will be held on Saturday, June 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Bluff Valley Park in Bessemer. In memory of Rodney and all he loved, please wear bright colors or your favorite super hero shirt.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com. Please share your favorite story of Rodney. He brought so much joy to those around him and the family would love to continue to share Rodney's stories for generations to come.

In lieu of cards or gifts please consider donating to one of Rodney's favorite places, Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp, at 138 Fortune Lake Camp Rd, Crystal Falls, MI, 49920. Please label donations in loving memory of Rodney Kangas.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services of Woodruff, Wisconsin.