Kenneth "Ken" Kangas

Kenneth “Ken” Kangas, age 85, of Faribault, MN, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the Allina Health Faribault Medical Center following an extended illness.

Kenneth James Kangas was born in Grand Rapids, MN, on October 13, 1938, to Wayne and Hilda (Nelmark) Kangas. Ken graduated from Grand Rapids High School, and then went on to further his education at Itasca Jr. College. He transferred to and graduated from Bemidji State University where he received his degree in English Education. Additionally, he received graduate credits in Education from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Ken taught for two years in Warroad, MN, five years at Faribault Jr. High School, and thirty-one years at Bloomington Olson Jr. High for the remainder of his career. In addition, Ken served as the English Department Chairperson. Ken reached and touched countless students’ lives in his long career as a middle school English teacher.

Ken met his wife, Patricia (Pat), in Faribault while teaching at the same school in 1965, and they married in 1967. They lived on their family farm together for 50 years, where they raised their sons, David, Paul, and Dan. In Ken’s spare time when he wasn’t teaching English, he farmed and loved it. He instilled a good work ethic in his boys that still exists in them today. He played sports with them when they were young, and then attended all their sports and activities with enthusiasm, sometimes with kazoos (to their sons’ chagrin).

Ken’s church life and his Christian faith were of utmost importance to him, and he instilled these values in his sons as well. After retiring from teaching and farming, Ken took up working for Habitat for Humanity and built many houses for those who could not afford one. When talking about it, his eyes lit up. Although he earned many awards for his charitable work, he didn’t do it for recognition. He kept the plaques/trophies in the garage. He served on so many other church and civic committees as well. Ken will be missed by the many organizations that he volunteered with for his gifts of his time, energy, money, and physical work that he selflessly gave to them.

Ken loved his family fiercely, and he leaves behind many loved ones – some related and some not. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Hilda, and his brother, Marvin. He is survived by his wife, Pat (Ford) Kangas; their three sons, and their significant others: David (Simone), Paul (Kelly), and Dan (Debbie); along with seven grandchildren that brought him so much joy: Obsidian Smith, Jordan, and Leo Kangas (Dave); Maija and Mikayla Kangas (Paul); and Riley and Reagan Kangas (Dan); Ken was very proud of them and loved them all so much! In addition, he is survived by his sister, Diane (Kangas) Mangseth (Bruce); his brother-in-law, Terry (Verna) Ford; his sister-in-law, Jenny Ford; six nieces, one nephew; neighborhood, church, and Faribault friends, along with many Finlanders up on the Iron Range. He lived life with Sisu and gave the best hugs! Rest in Peace, Ken.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the First English Lutheran Church, 204 2nd St. NW, Faribault, with Rev. Mark Johnson, pastor, officiating, followed by food and fellowship.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N., Faribault, on Saturday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. There will be no visitation at the church on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Habitat for Humanity, First English Lutheran Church, Faribault Food Shelf, or Faribault Hospice Foundation in memory of Ken.