Leona Elizabeth (Clark) Kangas

Munising

Leona “Lee” Elizabeth Kangas, age 95, of Munising, died early Tuesday morning, January 8, 2019 at the Medilodge in Munising.  She was born on August 3, 1923 in Marquette, Michigan to Charles and Virginia (Belanger) Clark.  Leona worked as a seamstress in a dress factory in Marquette and then moved to Munising in 1946.  She met and married Paavo “Paul” Kangas on February 8, 1947 and together raised their three daughters.  Leona worked briefly at the paper mill and then out of her home as a seamstress.  She was gifted and sewed new clothes, repaired clothing items, and altered clothing for the community.  Leona and Paul were active members of the Presbyterian Church and enjoyed spending time with friends and square dancing.  She was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Senior Citizens Center.

Leona is survived by her three daughters – Kathleen (Torrey) Heim of Muskego, WI, Mary Beth (Thomas) Gavula of Trinity, FL, and Debra Kangas of Inver Grove Heights, MN; grandchildren – Kevin Heim, Daniel Heim, and Jane Dunlap; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul Kangas on August 4, 2000, brother Joseph Clark, and sisters Margaret Cherette and Marian Booker.

Graveside services will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising on Friday, May 31, 2019  at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jim Rodgers and the American Legion Auxiliary.