Patti Kangas

Patti was born January 23, 1966 in her family home in Palmer, to Arnold and Beverly (Heikkinen) Helander, graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1984, and was a lifelong area resident. She married Gary Kangas in 1985, and together they raised their daughter in Palmer. Patti worked many years at Marquette General Hospital in the cardiac unit, retiring in 2010.

In her spare time, she loved cooking, enjoying coffee with family and friends, and loved being outdoors, especially at the family camp in Deerton.

Surviving are her daughter, Ashley (Jesse) Smith of Palmer; granddaughter, Josie Smith; father-in-law, Marvin Kangas; two brothers, David (Kathy) and Gary Helander; two sisters, Christine LaFave and Sue (Michael) Wickstrom; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Gary in 2020; mother-in-law, Doris Kangas; and an infant sister.

Honoring Patti’s wishes, private services will be held. Interment will be in Bakkala Cemetery.

Mrs. Kangas’ memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com