Ivan Eliel Kangas

Ivan Eliel Kangas passed away Friday November 29, 2013. Ivan is survived by his wife Kathy; daughter Sherri (Armand) LeCrone; two sons Shane (Michele) Kangas & James (Jeanne) Roedel and 8 siblings: Irving Kangas, Carlton (Jane) Kangas, Merle Kangas, Arlen (Yvonne) Kangas, Eldon (Michelle) Kangas, Howie (Terri) Kangas, Mary Bartel, Dagne Kangas, brother-in-law Fred Groth & sister-in-law Nancy Kangas. Ivan also had 5 grandchildren that he loved very much; Nicholas Kangas & Melissa Kangas (Shane & Michele) and Alexander Roedel, Maia Roedel & Emma Roedel (James & Jeanne). Ivan was preceded in death by his parents (Leonard & Hilma Kangas); brothers John & Steve Kangas & sister Lillian Groth. Ivan was born in Detroit Lakes, MN in 1943, raised in Wolf Lake, MN and graduated Frazee High School in 1961. Ivan served in the United States Air Force from 1962 - 1965 being based in Texas, Mississippi and England. Upon returning to civilian life, he met his wife Kathy Pavola in January 1966 at the Toad Lake Fishing Derby and the two were married July 30, 1966 in Minneapolis, MN. Ivan & Kathy moved around quite a bit until settling on Toad Lake, MN in 1973. In 1984 Ivan & Kathy moved the family to Elk River, MN and lived there until 2006 when they built their beautiful retirement house back on Toad Lake. Ivan was a hardworking man who held a number of jobs throughout his working days. Ivan was most notably a long haul truck driver, power line construction worker and drywall taper. Ivan retired from drywall taping due to injury in 1992. Ivan enjoyed his springs, summers & falls on Toad Lake doing gardening, taking care of his yard, helping a neighbor at a drop of a hat, spoiling his grandchildren, fishing, hunting, traveling and entertaining family & friends. Nothing made Ivan happier than when he could entertain at the lake and share a laugh with others. Since 2006 Ivan & Kathy would spend their winters down south, most recently in South Padre Island, Texas enjoying the beaches & sun.