Allan Kangas

Allan E. Kangas, age 78 of Westfield, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2016 at UW Hospital in Madison. He was born on August 15, 1938 at home in Ironwood, MI to Toivo and Mayme (Saari) Kangas. Al attended Roosevelt Grade School and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1956. He was Junior Class President and Prom King. Al also lettered in football his junior and senior year and was team captain. He joined the United States Marine Corps and was enlisted for two years. Al then attended Michigan State University for one year where he played football. He married Elaine Roche on January 2, 1960. Al went to Superior State College where he played football and earned his bachelor and master’s degree. He taught in Cumberland, WI for two years and in Hillsboro, WI for three years before settling in Westfield in July of 1970. He retired from teaching in 1996. Al coached football for 36 years with 26 of them being in Westfield. In 2003 he was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Hall of Fame. He loved to golf and was also the golf coach in Westfield for 26 years. Al was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Westfield where he served in numerous capacities. Along with teaching, Al was a journeyman bricklayer. He was an avid Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines fan.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine; five children, Kirk (Judy), Westfield, twins, Kristine Kangas, TX and Kathleen Haas, MN and twins, Erick (Amy) and Elisa (Tim) Greiner, both of Westfield; ten grandchildren, Kassia, Jesse and Korey Kangas, Marvin, Kyle and Dalton Haas, Dakota and Christopher Greiner and Kade and Kashton Kangas; three great granddaughters, Kallyn, Amelia and Madison; sister, Lanore Hofschulte, MN; other relatives and many friends. Al was preceded in death by his parents; son in law, Marvin Haas and grandson, Travis Haas.

A funeral service for Al will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 12:00 noon at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Westfield with Rev. Gary H. Schultz officiating. Burial will be in Westfield South Cemetery with full military honors presented by Westfield Area Veterans. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held at Thal Acres, Westfield. A visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

Please take a moment to view the online guestbook. Send your condolences or share a memory of Al with his family & friends.