Jack E. Kangas

Jack E. Kangas, 85, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Friday October 19, 2024 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility. He was born on July 15, 1939, in Iron River, MI, the son of the late Everett and Rachel (Auvinen) Kangas. Jack attended the Stambaugh Schools, graduating from Stambaugh High School with the class of 1958. Jack married Kathleen Greig on November 14, 1964, in Missouri. The couple celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in 2023 He was employed as an iron worker for Local Union 8 for many years. Jack was a member of the Iron County Historical Museum, where he had been a ‘Historian of the Year’ and longtime volunteer. He enjoyed woodworking, spending time in the woods, fishing, hunting, exploring, and he also liked to cook. Jack is very proud to have worked on the new Miller Stadium in Milwaukee. He threw out the first ball for the exhibition game on March 30, 2001 representing Ironworkers Local #8. Jack is survived by wife, Kathy; sons, Joseph (Holly) Kangas of Caspian, MI, Russell (Tanya) Kangas of Eau Claire, WI, and Richard (Jenn Kovacocich) Kangas of Wauwatosa, WI; daughter, Janet (Barry) Hunt of Talmo, GA; sisters, Betty Petroski, Joyce Kirkpatrick, and Faye (Larry) Ballinger, all of Iron River, MI; grandchildren, Jessica and Matthew Hunt, Talon and Teona Kangas, Carter, Paityn, and Brooklyn Kangas, Kaitlyn Bain, and Ben Davis; great grandchildren, Jace, Skylar, and JD Baine, Adeline and Esme Davis, and Kiera Kangas; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Jeffrey. Visitation will be held on Thursday October 24, 2024 from 12:00p.m. to 1:00p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 1:00pm with James Dettlaff to officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jack’s name to the Iron County Historical Museum. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jack E. Kangas, please visit our flower store.