Roy John Kangas
HANCOCK — Roy John Kangas, age 80, died on May 30 th , 2026, in Hancock, MI after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. His family was with him during his last days here.
Roy was born on March 3, 1946, in Estelline, SD to Evelyn (Lehtola) and Edward Kangas. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from high school in Lake Norden, SD. He then graduated from Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, MN with a welding degree, and afterwards served in the National Guard. He moved to the Houghton-Hancock area in 1973. In 1974, he was united in marriage to Luana Korpela. Roy and Luana raised their children primarily in the Dodgeville, MI area. He worked for the US Forest Service for many years before owning and operating ABE Supply in retirement, a small engine sales and repair shop in Dodgeville, MI.
Roy was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. His faith was most important to him, which was shown in the example he set. His sense of humor was appreciated by many, and his loving and generous nature has touched many lives and hearts.
Roy was preceded in death by his daughter Jenny in 1999, his parents Edward and Evelyn Kangas, his brother Ronald Kangas, grandchildren Scott Beld and Eva Kangas, and great-grandchild Eleanor Kangas.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Luana, three daughters: Katrina (John) Pekkala of Palmer, AK; Bethany (Kurt) Ruohonen of Atlantic Mine, MI; Lucy (Loren) Beld of Hazel, SD, seven sons: Archie (Virginia) of Yacolt, WA; Daniel (Kari) of Hancock, MI; Toby (Crystal) of Vienna, SD; Thor (Bonnie) of Castle Rock, WA; Brian (Talia) of Houghton, MI; Evan (Nicole) of Rockford, MN; and Davin (Brittney) of Dollar Bay, MI. Also surviving are two sisters Marilyn (Lance) Wilen of Lake Norden, SD and Mavis (Chris) VanSchoiack of Hayti, SD.
He also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Christian friends who loved him and will greatly miss him.
A funeral service for Roy will be held 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Hancock with Douglas Wuebben to officiate. Burial will be in the Oskar Cemetery.
Friends may call on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 10:30 am until the time of services at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Hancock.
To view Roy’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.