Rev. Carl Thomas Kangas Obituary (1931

Rev. Carl Thomas Kangas, 86, of Bremerton, WA, passed away on July 27, 2018. Tom, as he was known to family and friends, was born on December 17, 1931 in Ishpeming, MI to John and Agnes (Kaijala) Kangas. After graduating from Ishpeming High School, college education included Suomi College and Seminary (now Finlandia University), Boston University, Gordon College and Seminary, and North Dakota State University. Tom married the love of his life, Jane Kauramaki, on June 6, 1953 in Newberry, MI. Ordained in 1954 in the Lutheran Church, Pastor Kangas served parishes in Massachusetts, Oregon, Minnesota, North Dakota, Alaska, and Washington State (interim pastor at Vinland Lutheran Church, Poulsbo). While in Prosper, ND, Tom served many years on the board of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, the Examining Committee for pastoral candidates, and as a part time campus pastor at Moorhead State University. In Anchorage, AK, Tom was instrumental in organizing the first Ministerial Association of Anchorage and served as its first president. When Pope John Paul II visited Alaska in 1981, Tom, as the synod liaison, represented the Lutheran Church in America at the ecumenical gathering for the pope. Tom retired in 1997 after 43 years in the ministry and he and Jane made their home in Bremerton, WA. Tom enjoyed life-long learning and attended many educational offerings. Reading was a passion; he had a special interest in theological reflection. He enjoyed camping trips with his family, walking, and wood working. When younger he took several classes on auto repair which helped keep the growing number of family cars in running condition. Both Tom and Jane had a deep interest in their Finnish roots, attended many Finn Fests, enjoyed their in-home sauna, and embodied the "sisu" spirit. Tom's memory will live on with his loving wife of 65 years, Jane; their children, Joel (Nancy), Joyce (Frank) Shuck, David (Julie), and Kay (Jason) Gates; brother, Paul (Judy); sister, Mary (Arlen) Fuller; grandchildren, Stefanie, Christopher, Monica, Brianna, Ella, and Doyle; and great-grandchildren, Norah, Adelaide, and Everett. Public visitation will be held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Bremerton on Thursday, August 2nd at 10:00am with funeral services to begin at 11:00am. A reception will immediately follow. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Finlandia University in Hancock, MI; Lutheran World Mission Prayer League in Minneapolis, MN; or Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Bremerton, WA.