Joshua Kangas

Joshua Kangas, 32 of Arlington passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Josh was born into a big family with a lot of love and personality. He was most definitely up to the challenge as he had a big personality of his own.

Josh was always down for a good or bad joke, he especially enjoyed instigating or joining in on a good laugh at the expense of his mom and sisters. You could always count on Josh if you needed someone to talk to, whether it was serious or just yammering nonsense. He would also listen to his niece and    nephews talk about Minecraft, it takes a special person to do that!

Josh was a Netflix binging tv and movie aficionado. He enjoyed watching everything from Jackie Chan action to vampires and cheesy musicals. Sometimes watching the same show multiple times, probably just to mess with people.

Josh was not physically able to join into our shenanigans but he was always up for late night spirited card games and board games. He could often be found courtside at sporting events of his brothers and nephew. One summer he was treated like royalty as Logan’s basketball team would pick him up, wheelchair and all, and hall him up a long flight of stairs.

Josh was a fan of the outdoors, he enjoyed camping, kayaking, fishing and any other activities his family could retrofit to his specific needs. He loved just hanging out with family as long as there was some shade.

It was not all fun and games though. Josh was dealt a particular different life but each obstacle he met with a glare and a grin. He fought each battle with more gusto and heart than the average person. He taught his family and friends, no matter how hard it gets, you must keep fighting.

Josh’s battle may be ending but his story continues with each person who receives his gift. We, as a family, are brought Joy knowing that through his gift others will be able to do the things he never could; run, jump, skip and start a family of their own.

Blessed to share their lives with Josh are his mom Nancy Kangas, four sisters; Heather, Shane, Annie-Rae and Carrie (Jared), his three brothers; Thane (Amy), Christian and Logan, his six nieces and nephews; Gunnar, Connar, Ella, Zander, Sierra and Kagen and his step-dad Jerry Spilde. His numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his dad Daryl Kangas, his grandparents; Melvin and Vivian Nelson, Harold and Elsie Kangas, his uncle James Nelson, cousin Toby Roberts and his step-dad Scott Sorenson.

Funeral services for Josh will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at the Johnson-Henry Funeral Home in Arlington, with burial in the Arlington City Cemetery.