Howie Kangas Perham MN, Retired Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools coach has died
Howie Kangas Death – A former coach from Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools who was retired has passed away. Howie Kangas was announced dead today, Thursday, the 8th of June 2023. He was a coach’s coach, a great teammate and a leader. Howie of Perham, Minnesota died last night, according to reports. A wonderful coach and mentor to many young athletes. Thoughts and prayers are with the Kangas and Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools during this difficult time. He was a great mentor and WDC is grateful to have had him.
“I am saddened to report that Howie Kangas passed away last night,” Superintendent Lee Westrum said in an email to WDC staff. “Howie has been a part of the Wolverine family since 2012 when he joined our staff as a physical education teacher and Head Football coach. Currently, Howie has been teaching 5th/6th-grade physical education and adaptive physical education at the Middle/High School on a part-time basis. Please keep Howie’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
How did Howie Kangas die?
The circumstances surrounding the cause of Howie Kangas’ death have not been made known to the public at the time of this publication. However, his family has confirmed the heartbreaking news. Former Perham Activities Director Fred Sailer said, “He has legions of young men who go through life a better person due to their association with him.”
Who was Howie Kangas?
In June 2012, Kangas became the head coach of the Wolverines and despite inheriting a struggling team that had dressed only 17 players to finish their previous season, he worked tirelessly to lead them to a better future. Though the road was difficult, with a record of just 16-48 over seven seasons, he remained patient and committed to his vision.
Following the end of the 2018 season, Kangas chose to step down from his role as head coach. The passing of Howie Kangas has left a profound impact on those who knew him. Perham Public Schools and Independent School District 549 express their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Notably, Kangas was inducted into the Perham Hall of Fame in 2019, followed by the Frazee Hall of Fame in 2022. As a Physical Education teacher, Kangas made a positive impact on thousands of students across various grade levels, often giving them special nicknames.
His coaching career was equally impressive, coaching football, basketball, and softball during his tenure in Perham. He holds the title of the winningest coach in Perham’s football history, amassing a record of 119-65 overall. His achievements include leading the Yellowjackets to five Section 8AAA Championships, two Heart O’Lakes Conference Championships, and three Northern Lakes Conference Championships. After his successful career in Perham, Kangas took his skills to revitalize the Wadena-Deer Creek football program, eventually leading them to their first playoff win since 1998 with a victory over Staples-Motley in 2017.
Howie Kangas obituary and funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date by the family.
News from SNBC13.com
