Pastor Henry Ruben Kangas, 82, of Mass City, passed away on April 23, 2007, at the Ontonagon Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Unit where he had been in residence for almost six years.

Pastor Henry was born on November 20, 1924, the youngest and last survivor of the 12 children of Samuel and Hilda (Parkkila) Kangas. He attended a small country school in Wainola for his first eight grades of school and graduated from the Greenland Township School in Mass City in 1942. He received his Theological Seminary degree at Suomi College, BA degree at Kent State University, Master's degree at Western Reserve University and completed studies for his Doctorate degree in 1956.

Pastor Henry's 40 years of active ministry were served in three states: 23 years at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Warren, Ohio; 15 years were served in San Francisco at two churches, Gethsemane Lutheran and St. Francis, a Danish Lutheran Church. He spent two years near Cleveland preaching at a Finnish church. He was bilingual in his ministry, preaching in both English and Finnish. He also was known for his music, as his full voice could be heard above any other in church. He was a wonderful piano player also. Music had been a very important part of his life.

Pastor Henry and his sister, Hilda, who served as his secretary and helper in his ministry, retired to their childhood farm home in Wainola in 1987. Henry continued his service with supply preaching and taping Finnish devotions for radio and also for the Finland Calling program in Marquette. This year, he had 60 years in the ministry.

Preceding Pastor Henry in death were his parents, Samuel and Hilda Kangas; eight brothers, Samuel, William, Otto, Donald, Onni, Niilo, Arvo and Toivo; and three sisters, Lempi Crane, Hilda Kangas and Martha Martin.

A Memorial Service for Pastor Henry Kangas will be held on May 23rd at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mass City. Burial will take place at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland.

The Cane Funeral Home is helping with arrangements.