Nancy Jean Kangas

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Nancy Jean Kangas, 84, of Wakefield, formerly of Ironwood, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

Nancy was born on Aug. 3, 1937, in Wakefield, the daughter of Nels W. and Lillian E. (Huhtala) Luoma. She attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1955.

On June 4, 1960, Nancy was united in marriage to David J. Kangas at the First Lutheran Church in Wakefield. They lived in Marquette, while Dave attended Northern Michigan University, and briefly in Superior, Wisconsin, then returned to live in Ironwood.

Nancy worked as a school secretary at the Wakefield School District and stopped working when she had her children. Then, Nancy worked at the Gogebic Community College with multiple office positions and retired as the secretary to the Dean of Instruction. She also worked for the Gogebic County Fair and MSU Extension Office.

Nancy was an active and proud member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

She was a member of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Nancy spent many precious weeks at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp in Crystal Falls, throughout her years, which she still continued to support until her passing. She made many lifelong friends through Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp and with her work with the then Lutheran Church Women.

In her early years, Nancy spent many summers working at Camp Galilee in Mellen, Wisconsin. She had many fond memories of her time working there.

Nancy dedicated her life to helping others and volunteering throughout the community. Nancy enjoyed volunteering at the Little Finland Gift Shop and was a dedicated member at Little Finland.

Nancy was a lifelong supporter of our local 4-H and touched the lives of many of her 4-H club members. She continued to support our local 4-H and Gogebic County Fair through watching her grandchildren participate in 4-H events. For many years, Nancy helped with harness racing at the county fair. Nancy enjoyed volunteering at the Wakefield Historical Society.

Nancy spent countless hours volunteering at the Copper Peak Ski Flying meets and at the Wolverine Ski Hill. She and Dave even volunteered at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. She, as well, volunteered at other local community events.

For many years, Nancy loved doing the stats at the women's and men's Gogebic Community College basketball games.

Nancy had a special friend, camper Bob, whom she loved to spend time with at Sunday Lake campground in Wakefield and in Arizona.

Nancy loved spending time with her family and looked forward to attending her granddaughters' events.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David; her oldest daughter, Ruth E. Kangas; three brothers-in-law, Paul Kangas, Steve Leiphart and Tom Goldsworthy; and her special friend, camper Bob LeBlanc.

Nancy is survived by two daughters, Linda (Jason) Slining and Karen Kangas; three granddaughters, Lillian, Eleanor and Sylvia Tiziani; a brother, Robert (Christina) Luoma; and two sisters-in-law, Julie Leiphart and Jane Goldsworthy. She loved her nieces, nephews and cousins, in particular her dear cousins, Lois (Rueben) Nelson and Jimmy (Darlene) Johnson.

Nancy was a kind, loving, joyful and caring person and enjoyed helping others solve computer problems and to help work on typing projects. Her kindness, smiles and eagerness to help others will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

"Be kind to each other, tenderhearted forgiving one another, Just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 6, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 111 S. Curry St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Douglas Norquist officiating.

A committal service and interment will take place at the Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of the Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.