Christopher William Kangas left this world peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, April 19, 2014, at St. John Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 48 years. Chris was born January 12, 1966, in Marquette, Michigan. He was the son of V. William and Lucy M. (Salminen) Kangas. Chris was reared and educated in Ishpeming, Michigan, and graduated with the Westwood High School Class of 1984. He continued his education attending Kirtland Community College in Grayling, Michigan, where he earned his A & P mechanic certificate. On October 3, 1992, he married Jaclyn Ann Kari in Ishpeming. Chris worked as a mechanic with American Eagle from 1991-2001, at which time he joined American Airlines. Chris and Jackie had made their home in Owasso, Oklahoma, since 2011.
Chris was a member of TWU Local 514 in Tulsa and the Claremore Elks Lodge #1230 in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was a faithful member of Lifechurch in Owasso where he served on the Host Ministry Team. He enjoyed a variety of pastimes including camping and NASCAR, but he was a dedicated sports fan of the Detroit Lions, Tigers and Red Wings, taking his family to games and NFL draft days in Detroit. He particularly enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his kids play sports. Following Chris’ first hemorrhagic stroke in November 2012, he taught many people about patience and perseverance as he learned to walk, talk and regain independence.
Chris is survived by his loving family members including;
His wife; Jackie, Son; Kyle, Daughter; Katie, all at home
Father; Bill Kangas, of Ishpeming, Michigan
Sister; Karen Gonzalez and nephew; Alex, of West Allis, Wisconsin
Mother and Father-in-law; Dennis and Mary Kari, of Ishpeming, Michigan
Brother-in-law; Kevin (Cathy) Kari and niece; Lilyan, of Freedom, Wisconsin
Aunts, uncles, and a host of other relatives and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucy Kangas.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral services will be held 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2014, at the Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso with Pastor Bill Bennett officiating. A family service and interment will be held at a later date in Michigan. In lieu of flowers, a fund had been set up for his children’s education. Contributions can be made to the Christopher W. Kangas Memorial, in care of RCB Bank, 12200 East 96th Street North, Owasso, Oklahoma, 74055, or any other RCB Bank location. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
