Service Details
A celebration of Wes’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, 12:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, with John Fleming officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. Burial with full military honors will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.
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Racine – Vernon Wesley Kangas, known to all as “Wes”, 71, passed away on December 14, 2017, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Waukegan, IL, on November 12, 1946, son of the late Vernon and Anita (née: Warvi) Kangas.
Wes spent his early childhood growing up in Ironwood, MI. He graduated from William Horlick High School in 1965. Wes proudly and faithfully served his country in the United States Navy in the Pacific from 1966 until 1968. He then served another 9 years in the Naval Reserves until 1977. Wes was in the last graduating class of the Racine – Kenosha Teachers College in 1971. He graduated from UW-Whitewater in 1973 with a B.S. in Education. Wes worked for AMC-Chrysler in Beaverton, OR, until he retired in in 2006.
Wes leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, April Kangas; daughters, Holly (Mark) Kangas, Erin (Doug) St. Martin; step-children, Bryan (Michele) Roemer, Angel (Jyssie) Soules, Carl Derby, Joshua Derby, Brianna Derby, Travis (Monse) Derby; grandchildren, Shawna Roemer, Nicolas Gonzales, Gianna Gonzalez, Savannah St. Martin, Josefina Derby; sister, Judy (Jerry) Biedscheid; brothers, Ken (Bonnie) Kangas, Russell (Holly) Kangas; mother-in-law, Judy Spears; sister-in-law, Debbie (Jeff) Hischke; brother-in-law, Doug (Mary) Spears; first wife, Ruth Walquist; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.
In addition to his parents, Vernon is preceded in death by his second wife, Mary Roemer; and brother-in-law, Joseph Kautzer.
A celebration of Wes’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, 12:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, with John Fleming officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. Burial with full military honors will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.
Donna Kangas Gainey-Nuttall says
I am so sorry for your lost. Wesley and I were double cousins. We hadn’t seen each other for years. I will always remember him as a great soul. I wish that I lived closer. I will be praying for all.
Cousin Denise and husband Don Lambrecht says
So sorry to hear of Wes passing.
Our condolences to the family.
Many good memories of times spent together since we were children. I’ll always remember his sense of humour and his great smile!
In loving memory,
Anonymous says
Russ and Holly and family. So very sorry for your loss. Hugs to all of you during this difficult time.
Scot and Pam Sinclair
Anonymous says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I wanted to share a hope that Jesus promises of an earthly resurrection (Acts 24:15) and the renewed paradise earth, where there will be no more death, no pain, and no more mourning. (Rev 21:3,4). I truly hope these Scriptures can give you comfort in your time of need.
Doug & Linda St Martin says
With sincere condolences
Ken & Carol Peltz (Prineville, Oregon) says
Wes was a true great guy and super friend. Was very well liked by everyone. Always there for everyone. Going to be missed very much. Love Ya Bud
Carol Bulik (Rotes) - St. Augustine Florida says
Only good memories of Wesley. Have known him since the early 60’s and have tried to stay in touch over the years.