Wanetta Winifred Kangas, 88, of Lake Esquagama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the River Grand Senior Living in Grand Rapids, MN surrounded by her loving family.

She was a beacon of kindness, care, and generosity, always putting others before herself.

Wanetta was born April 11, 1936, the daughter of Wilfred and Lydia (Whippler) Cook in Davidson, Saskatchewan, Canada. She graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1954. Wanetta attended and graduated from the St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in Duluth and later earned her a degree from Bemidji State University.

On June 11,1960, she was united in marriage with Phil Kangas at the Community Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. Wanetta was dedicated to her late husband, Phil, and their three children, Nancy, Richard, and Mary. As a devoted registered nurse and a transformational nurse educator at Rainy River Community College, she touched countless lives through her compassion and commitment to healthcare education.

Raising her family on their farm in Ericsburg, Minnesota, Wanetta found joy in cultivating the most beautiful vegetable gardens. Her home was a testament to her hard work, with a large room dedicated to storing hundreds of mason jars filled with an array of canned fruits, vegetables, and pickles.

After retiring, Wanetta cherished her time at their home on Lake Esquagama and enjoyed traveling south for the winter with Phil. Phil passed away on July 27, 2006. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her beloved grandchildren: Lindsey, Sydney, Noah, Erin, Kate, and Eva.

Wanetta's legacy of love, dedication, and generosity will forever be remembered by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed.

Memorials preferred to Minnesota North College-Rainy River Campus.

Wanetta is survived by her children: Nancy (Daniel) Oellerich, Richard (Jeanine) Kangas, and Mary Beth (Bruce) Klein-Goerts; grandchildren: Lindsey, Sydney, Noah, Erin, Kate, and Eva; sisters: Arlette (Jim) Lepper and Nadine Schroeder; brother-in-law William "Bill" (Carren) Kangas; sister-in-law Susan (Norman) Chaffee; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Phil; son-in-law Todd Klein; and brother-in-law James Schroeder.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To   sign   the   online   guestbook   or   send   condolences   visit   www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.