Sam Edward Kangas

Sam Edward Kangas, 53, of Interlochen, Michigan, died on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in a motorcycle crash in Interlochen. He was born May 31, 1970, in Cheboygan, Michigan where he was raised by his parents (Florence and Lawrence) and was close to his four older siblings (Christine, Laureen, Dan and Judy). Sam was a free spirit and made friends everywhere he went. As a kid, Sam was known to be late to kindergarten, getting distracted by the woods and field between his house and the elementary school. His love of the outdoors continued for his entire life. Whether it was golfing, snowmobiling, shooting guns, riding his four-wheeler or being on a motorcycle, he was always outside. After high school, he attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Construction Management and golfed. After college, Sam moved to Benzie County, where he lived out the remainder of his life. He married his now ex-wife Cathy on July 20, 1996. They had three kids together (Cora, Emma, Eli) and throughout the years many golden retrievers. After years of working for others, Sam lived out his dream of working for himself by building and repairing homes. This allowed him to work and live his life to the fullest. Outside of work, Sam was always with family and friends. A huge part of his life was spending time at the family farm in Mass City, Michigan with loved ones. Without fail, he would spend at least 4 weeks out of the year there in the spring, summer and fall months. Bringing his family with him in the summer, the kids learned to love the outdoors, spending countless hours on long four-wheeling trips, at the bluffs and swimming in Lake Superior. His sense of humor and dad jokes made people laugh, even on the hardest days. Everyone he met knew him as the life of the party and will never forget his contagious laugh and smile. He will be remembered and dearly missed by many. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Lawrence Kangas. He is survived by his kids Cora Kangas, Emma Kangas, and Eli Kangas; siblings Christine (Dean) Miars, Dan (Kathy) Kangas, Laureen (Mark) Bulovic, Judy (Kurt) Kangas; nieces and nephews Jennifer Schroeder, Sara Jane Marx, Kathryn Jones, Thomas (Erina) Cross, Hanna Kangas and Jake Kangas; as well as great nieces, nephews, and many extended family members. A visitation will be held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684, on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A more intimate gathering of family will take place in the Upper Peninsula in the summer of 2024 for his burial. In lieu of flowers please donate to Colorectal Cancer Awareness, in memory of Sam. Donations can be made securely through a website set up by family through the CRCA. https://impact.ccalliance.org/SamKangas. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Sam’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reyolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Sam Edward Kangas

May 31, 1970 - September 13, 2023