Racine – Vernon Wesley Kangas, known to all as "Wes", 71, passed away on December 14, 2017, surrounded by the love of his family.  He was born in Waukegan, IL, on November 12, 1946, son of the late Vernon and Anita (née: Warvi) Kangas.

Wes spent his early childhood growing up in Ironwood, MI.  He graduated from William Horlick High School in 1965.  Wes proudly and faithfully served his country in the United States Navy in the Pacific from 1966 until 1968.  He then served another 9 years in the Naval Reserves until 1977.  Wes was in the last graduating class of the Racine – Kenosha Teachers College in 1971.  He graduated from UW-Whitewater in 1973 with a B.S. in Education.  Wes worked for AMC-Chrysler in Beaverton, OR, until he retired in in 2006.

Wes leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, April Kangas; daughters, Holly (Mark) Kangas, Erin (Doug) St. Martin; step-children, Bryan (Michele) Roemer, Angel (Jyssie) Soules, Carl Derby, Joshua Derby, Brianna Derby, Travis (Monse) Derby; grandchildren, Shawna Roemer, Nicolas Gonzales, Gianna Gonzalez, Savannah St. Martin, Josefina Derby; sister, Judy (Jerry) Biedscheid; brothers, Ken (Bonnie) Kangas, Russell (Holly) Kangas; mother-in-law, Judy Spears; sister-in-law, Debbie (Jeff) Hischke; brother-in-law, Doug (Mary) Spears; first wife, Ruth Walquist; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents, Vernon is preceded in death by his second wife, Mary Roemer; and brother-in-law, Joseph Kautzer.

A celebration of Wes's life will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, 12:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, with John Fleming officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.  Burial with full military honors will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.

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