Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Julie Claire Kangas, 78, of Calumet, Michigan died Saturday morning August 31, 2024, at UP Health System Portage Hospital in Hancock, MI.
She was born on May 5, 1946, in Calumet to Charles and Euphemia Maatta. Julie attended Calumet Public Schools, graduating with the Class of ‘64. She attended Michigan Technological University and then Northern Michigan University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1968. She was united in marriage to William Lassila on August 2, 1975. Julie was a beloved Elementary School Teacher in the Novi School District for 33 years. Following Bill’s death, Julie returned to the Copper Country. On February 2, 2008, she married Gerald Kangas. Together they traveled and continued her passion for creativity, in her own unique style. Julie was gracious, a faithful friend and confidante, the epitome of unconditional love.
She was proceeded in death by her parents; stepfather, Homer Pylvainen; sisters Marlene and Nancy; brothers Tom and Ralph.
Julie is survived and dearly missed by her husband, Gerald, his children John (Sarah) Kangas and Julie (Tom) Helppi; along with David (Carla) Bekkala, fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Paul (Marilyn) Pylvainen of Plymouth, MN and Marty (Sandra) Pylvainen of Monticello, MN; brother-in-law Earl Kangas of Bakersfield, CA; sisters-in-law Ellen Torola of Hancock, Gloria (Ernie) Harju of Houghton, Linda Kangas of Hartland, MI, and Ruth Lassila of Fowlerville, MI; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The funeral service for Mrs. Julie Kangas will be held at noon on Wednesday, September 4th at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Calumet with Pastor Mark Halonen officiating. Interment will be in the Lake View Cemetery in Calumet. Friends may call on Wednesday from 10am-noon, prior to the funeral service at the church.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences can be left the family at EricksonCrowleypeterson.com.
