Ellen E. Kangas, 102, of Lake Norden, SD, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Avantara care center, in Lake Norden. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at the Old Apostolic Church in rural Lake Norden. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday at the church. Geise Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ellen E. Kangas was born on October 15, 1917, on the homestead home near Lake Norden, SD, the daughter of Erick and Ida (Tormanen) Paso.

When Ellen was two years old her family moved to Ellendale, ND, where she received her education in Ada Township in Dickey County, ND. She was united in marriage to Ernest Kangas on March 5, 1938 at the Emil Kangas' home near Lake Norden. After their marriage they farmed in the Lake Norden area. Ernest died on November 12, 1977.

She was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. Ellen enjoyed sewing, gardening, flowers, handiwork, and especially visiting family and friends.

Ellen is survived by her children; Marie Koistinen of Lake Norden, SD, Janice Efraimson of Bryant, SD, David (Faith) Kangas of Battle Ground, WA, Charlotte (George) Peterson of Battle Ground, WA, Dennis (Yvonne) Kangas of Davenport, WA, Genevieve (David) Halme of Battle Ground, WA, Alvin (Mary) Kangas of Lake Norden, SD, and Gordon (Delores) Kangas of Lake Norden, SD; 71 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Kangas, of Lake Norden, and a host of friends.

Ellen is preceded in death by; her parents, Erick and Ida (Tormanen) Paso; her husband, Ernest Kangas; one grandchild; five great-grandchildren; two sons-in-law, Clarence Koistinen and Wesley Efraimson; six brothers and five sisters.