Rev. Norman E. Kangas

REVEREND NORMAN E. KANGAS November 14, 1933 – February 26, 2017                   Rev. Norman E. Kangas, age 83, of Wolf Lake, MN, formerly a long time resident and Pastor in Ironwood, MI, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday evening, February 26th, 2017 at his home near Wolf Lake, surrounded by his loved ones, following a valiant battle against cancer. Norman was born on November 14, 1933 to Edwin and Linne Kangas on his grandfather Kangas’ farm near his beloved Wolf Lake.  As a boy he attended the District 721 Country School and the Pickeral Lake Country School near his home.  He then went on to attend high school in Frazee.  On December 1, 1953, Norman entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country during the Korean War.  Following his honorable discharge in September of 1955, he began his studies at Bemidji State University.  On September 8, 1956, Norman was united in marriage to Shirley M. Koskiniemi at the Spruce Grove Apostolic Lutheran Church near Wolf Lake.  Their marriage was blessed with five daughters.  A short time after their marriage, Norman and Shirley moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where Norman sold automobiles for a time.  In 1959, they returned to Minnesota where Norman took over operating the Osage Supermarket in Osage, MN which they had purchased earlier, while still in Alaska.  He ran the store until selling it in 1963.  They then moved to Detroit Lakes where they purchased a home and Norman resumed his studies in earning a college degree at Bemidji State University.  In 1965 he graduated from college with a bachelors degree in business education.  He then began a successful career selling text books throughout the region.  In 1970, Norman felt the Lord calling him to deeper study of God’s Word.  He attended the Inter-Lutheran Seminary in Minneapolis graduating in 1973.  He then accepted a call to minister in Ironwood, MI where he devoted over 40 years to preaching the word of God as an Apostolic Lutheran Pastor.  Norman and Shirley always enjoyed returning to his beloved Wolf Lake where he looked forward to the healing therapy of hard physical farm work completing necessary chores on the family farm and restoring the old farm house for he and Shirley to someday retire.  He loved to tinker with his collection of old tractors; John Deere, Farmall, Ford, Case, Co-op;  he enjoyed using them all.  He and Shirley also enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and Alaska visiting their daughters and other loved ones.  Norman especially enjoyed visiting the Holy Lands and walking where Jesus himself had walked, performed miracles and ministered to his people.  Above all, Norman loved to speak with others about his Lord and Savior.  Norman memorized great portions of scripture which he would recite to others sharing God’s love and the redemptive work Christ did on the cross for all of us so that they could accept God’s gift of grace and forgiveness and have the assurance of everlasting life.  Throughout his life time of ministry, Norman always had a special love and compassion for the down trodden and children.  Above all, Norman loved his precious wife, his daughters, his grandchildren and great grandchildren with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley who over the 60 years of their married lives together, brought him great joy and fulfillment; their five daughters:  Rene (Rick) Durkee of Winchester, New Hampshire, Roslyn (Mark) Mitchell of Anchorage, AK, Robin (Steve) Estola of Hurley, WI, Andrea (Chris) Raasio of Hancock, MI and Amber (Philip) Impola of Wellford, SC; 26 grandchildren and 9 precious great grandchildren; two sisters: Debbie Carlson and Doreen (John) McIntyre; two brothers: Marvin (Linda)Kangas and Frank (Joan) Haataja; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Norman was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Edwin Haataja; three brothers: Russell, Floyd and Billy and a sister, Delores. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, March 3, 2017 at the Spruce Grove Apostolic Lutheran Church near Wolf Lake, MN with the Reverends Dennis Hannu, Steve Estola and Elmer Yliniemi officiating.  Deborah Aho will be the organist.  The casket bearers will be Rick Durkee, Mark Mitchell, Steve Estola, Chris Raasio, Philip Impola, Blake Estola, Zachery Estola and Austin Estola. Honorary casket bearers will be: Marvin LaGrew, Marvin Kangas, Frank Haataja, Debbie Carlson, Doreen McIntyre and Micah Brewer.  Military honors will be provided by the Star of the North Marine Corps League.  Interment will be made in the Pickeral Lake Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Thursday at the Spruce Grove Apostolic Church and will continue on Friday beginning one hour prior to the service.  To view the online video tribute and to leave online condolences please visit www.cardinipearson.com