Eugene Kangas

He was born on Feb. 19, 1947, in Iron Mountain, a son of Frank and Alene (Shearer) Kangas. Gene graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. While at Ferris, he was a member of the Phi Delta Chi fraternity.

Gene was drafted into the U.S. Army in June 1971, served as a pharmacist and was honorably discharged in June 1973. He returned to the Kalamazoo area where he worked for 40 years as a pharmacist at various pharmacies.

Gene was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and was active in the local Optimist Club. Gene had a lifelong love of tennis and golf and was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers and New York Yankees. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Richard Kangas.

On Nov. 6, 1971, Gene married the former Donna Stevens who survives.

Also surviving are three children and their spouses: Liz (Don) Adams of Portage, Eric (Shannon) Kangas of Plainfield, Ill., and Matt (Angela) Kangas of Mattawan; nine grandchildren; brother-in-law, Mark (Candy) Stevens; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel: 411 E. Centre Ave., Portage.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. of Friday, Aug. 17 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church: 1150 W. Centre Ave., Portage.

Graveside services will be held in Mount Ever Rest Memorial Park South in Kalamazoo.

Memorials may be directed to the Optimist Club or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.

Please visit Gene’s webpage for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence at www.langelands.com.