Philip Kangas

He was born on April 10, 1947, in Hancock, MI, a son of the late Donald and Bertha (Godell) Kangas. Philip was raised in Painesdale and was a graduate of the Jeffers High School with the class of 1965. He then attended Michigan Technological University for two years before joining the United States Air Force in 1968.

While serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, Philip was stationed in Thailand. Stateside he was stationed at Luke AFB in Glendale, AZ. Before discharge in 1972, Philip attended a class in welding, offered by the Air Force, in preparation for civilian life, thus beginning his next career. Returning to the Copper Country, he was employed at the White Pine Copper Mine and then the Defiance Corporation, making sauna stoves. Moving to make his home in Twin Lakes, he then went to work in Ontonagon for UPSCO (the Upper Peninsula Shipbuilding Company), followed by the Wedtech Company. Upon the closing of the shipyard in 1986, he opened his own welding shop in Twin Lakes and was able to help many until his retirement. Phil’s “Door of Desperation” was well known by those needing his expertise.

Mr. Kangas was an active member of the Twin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, serving as the Fire Chief for many years. Philip was also a Life member of the Copper Range Historical Society and the Painesdale Mine & Shaft Association. He was an avid motorcyclist, riding his Harley to the Sturgis Rallies over the years, touring across the United States and Canada, with a final trip being made to Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada.

As long as he was able to, he plowed out neighbors’ mail boxes during our long winters. He didn’t talk about his time in Thailand during the war in Vietnam, until recently. Among other stories, we got to hear about were the Sky Raiders that escorted the helicopters that went in to rescue downed pilots and others needing this help along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, by dropping a cover to protect them from snipers. Phil also mentioned he visited the Bridge on the River Kwai while on an R&R.

As long-term physical illness began to affect his physical independence, Phil’s fierce independent spirit and creative mind, along with help from the Twin Lakes Fire Department, Krupps, and friends in Twin Lakes, enabled him to live independently in his home until the last several months of his life. He enjoyed and fed the chipmunks who came to his house.

We would like to thank the Mercy EMS staff, the medical and nursing staffs of Portage Hospital, Aspirus Hospital, Our Lady of Mercy, and lastly, the warm, compassionate care he received at Canal View – Houghton County for the past four months.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his brothers-in-law: Anton Pintar and John Manninen.

Surviving are his siblings: Jean (John) Pemberton of Dollar Bay, Irene (Terry) Woldring of Portage, MI, Barbara Manninen of Hancock, Norman (Julie Siirila) Kangas of Warwick, RI, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service for Philip will be held 12:00 noon Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range, with John Pemberton to officiate. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM until time of services.

Following the service will be a luncheon at the Twin Lakes Fire Department in Twin Lakes, featuring Krupps’ pasties and Oatmeal Raisin cookies, Phil’s favorites. Burial will be in the Spring in the military section of South Range Mountain View Cemetery.

To view Philip’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net. Memorials may be sent to the Twin Lakes Fire Department, 32850 Hwy M-26, Toivola, MI 49965; the Jeffers High School CTE program in Painesdale, MI; or, a charity of your choice.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements.