Robert Kangas

ROBERT GORDON KANGAS October 17, 1952 – August 29, 2016         Robert Gordon Kangas, born October, 17th, 1952 to Russell Gordon Kangas and Laina Mary Haverinen Kangas in Park Rapids, MN, was received into heaven on August 29, 2016. He was a loving and sacrificial husband, devoted father, compassionate father-in-law, grandfather, son and brother.       Robert (Bob) graduated from Menahga High School in 1970 and on July 31, 1976, he married his classmate and neighbor, Betty Allebach, at Blacks Grove Park in Wadena. They were married by the bride’s father, Clyde Allebach. The marriage was blessed with the joy of their lives, a daughter, Sarah Jayne, on September 29, 1979.       Bob began house construction first, with his father and later with his business partner and cousin, James Kangas in the Menahga area. He earned his RN degree at Bemidji Community College and worked at St. Joseph's hospital in Park Rapids for several years. For the last 8 years, Bob worked in the maintenance department at Greenwood Connections in Menahga and lovingly cared for the grounds and the residents in apartments.        Bob had many talents and gifts, but his unassuming nature was the essence of his life’s story. In every daily task he served others with humbleness and modesty. He was a talented woodworker and carpenter and didn’t understand when others oohed and aahed over his handiwork. This talent also extended to his photography, but it was always for the joy of the undertaking rather than for the praise. With pleasure in service, he created woodwork for his wife, daughter, and grandchildren, and sometimes even for his extended family. He lovingly crafted his father-in-law’s coffin and his mother-in-law’s burial urn.       Bob lived with this same spirit of servanthood in his marriage and with his family, being tirelessly devoted to them in a spirit of gratefulness. He pitched in with whatever task needed to be done and tenderly cared for his wife in little and meaningful ways such as serving her coffee every morning made ‘just the way she wanted it’. He loved Sarah in the same way our father in heaven loves us, giving her words of wisdom and using scripture as his guidance. In the same way, he had a deep and abiding love for his son-in-law and spent hours talking and praying with him. His grandchildren were the delight of his eyes and he served them with pleasure, playing word games, play fighting with water guns and water balloons, and always finding ways to make them laugh.       It was through his strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ that Bob lived out his life, which was the foundation for all he said and did. He sacrificially lived out his life for others, in complete joy and servanthood. It comes as no surprise that he never chose a favorite Bible verse as he loved the whole Bible, a testament to his entire life. His strength of character was in his humility and compassionate nature.       He is survived by his wife Betty, Menahga; daughter, Sarah (James) Crook, grandchildren, Shalom, Abigail, and Mathias; father and mother, Russell and Mary; sisters Kathy (Tom) Hammes (Wadena); Linda (Dick) Palmatier, Fridley; Cindy (Arvin) Warien, Long Prairie; and brother, Timothy (Menahga).       He was predeceased in death by an infant brother and sister. His gentle spirit will be missed sorely by his immediate and extended family, assisted living residents, and co-workers.       Services are provided by the Jones Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 3 at Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids at 10:00 a.m. with a 9:00 a.m. visitation.       To leave online condolences or to view his video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com