Kenneth Myran Bangen, 87, of International Falls, Minn., passed away peacefully Sunday, March, 8, 2015, at Sanford Medical Center, Bemidji, Minn., following a brief illness.
Grampa Kenny, or Gramps, to many, was born July 28, 1927, to Sidney and Ovedia Bangen, in Wilton, Minn.
Growing up in Holler Addition of South International Falls, he loved to reminisce about his childhood shenanigans and school days there. He enjoyed many a drive-thru of the old neighborhood and could to this day name family homes on the block, as well as what went on in and around them, from way-back-when.
Kenny served overseas in the United States Army during World War II, and proudly shared many an Army story.
He was a 1945 graduate of Falls High School.
Kenny began his career as an electrician at M&O paper mill and retired from Boise Cascade as electrical supervisor after 42 years of service. Many an eyebrow was raised as to his skills as the “color-blind electrician,” but he had his own method all figured out.
On June 10, 1951, he married Elaine Mae Nelson, whom he met a couple years earlier working as a mill secretary. Although he didn’t really think he had a chance with such a beauty, he took one. After 49 fun-loving years, “Nellie,” as he called her, preceded him in death in 2000.
In his younger years he was a motorcycle enthusiast, traveling much of the U.S. and Canada. He loved snowmobiling, hunting and fishing, and thoroughly enjoyed telling of his adventures with his family and friends.
Cruising along in his pickup, a bit on the slower side, Kenny covered International Falls and surrounding areas along with his side kick and brother, Cam.
He was a great storyteller to anyone with an open ear, had a most humorous quick wit, didn’t mince words and told it like he saw it (no matter who was around to hear). He never missed a thing. Ever.
He was a creature-of-habit — everything on schedule. His Saturday nights were spent with Lawrence Welk. For many years, he spent every morning in the same booth at the Chocolate Moose for breakfast. He rather enjoyed being spoiled.
He is survived by his daughters — Bonnie (Dave) Harris and Tammie (Kevin) Calder; grandchildren – Adam (Tara) Harris, Jacob Harris and Megan Harris, Matthew Calder (Nathalie Donaldson) and Tanner Calder (Samantha Luoma); great-grandchildren – Addison Rae Harris, Piper Jo Harris and Frederick Jace Calder; sister, Norma (Mel) Ramsey; sister-in law, Ann Bangen; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He adored each and every one of them.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Harold and Ethel Nelson; and brothers, Cameron Bangen and Duane Bangen.
He was the best dad, gramps, great-gramps, brother, uncle, and friend. In his own gruff, but tender way, he left his mark on so many. We are grateful and better for it.
His friends at River’s Edge Villa became family to him and we are thankful for that.
A Celebration of Life memorial gathering is planned for 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Ranier Community Building, Ranier, Minn.
Interment will be alongside his wife at Forest Hill Cemetery, International Falls.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
Jennifer Lee Vacura passed away Feb.28, at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, N.D..
Jennifer, daughter of Arlen Vacura of Greenbush, Minn., and Lujean Irwin, of Motley, Minn., was born on Oct.19,1974, in Grand Forks, N.D.
Following high school, she attended the University of North Dakota and graduated with a masters degree in medical laboratory science.
At the time of her death she was laboratory manager at Rainy Lake Medical Center in International Falls. She will be greatly missed by her co-workers and her work family.
Jennifer passed two days after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. She was 40 years of age.
Jennifer is survived by her parents; son, Zackary Vacura of Crookston; sister, Kristina (Heath) Schafer, Grand Forks, N.D.; nephew, Gene Davis, Grand Forks, N.D.; maternal grandmother, Bettylou Stelck, Motley, Minn.; uncles and aunts, Gary (Debby) Vacura, Ervin Vacura, Mavis Gonshorowski, Brad (Renee) Irwin; several cousins; and beloved dog, Toby.
She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Edward Jr. and Lillian Vacura and maternal grandfather, Gene Irwin.
A private family memorial service will be held this spring when flowers again bloom.
“Goodbye Butterfly, may you soar among Angels.”
Belvia Arch, 93, of Los Angeles, Calif., passed away into the presence of his savior and Lord Jesus Christ Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015.
Belvia was born Feb. 18, 1921, to William B. Arch and Pearl (Torply) Arch in Oelwein, Iowa.
While still a small boy, his mother passed away and he moved with his dad to Minnesota in the mid 1920s.
Belvia’s dad married Mary Brollard in International Falls in 1931. From that union came three sisters and three brothers.
During his high school days, Belvia played the bass fiddle in a band and was nicked named Snow Ball.
Not long after graduation from Falls High School, he joined the United States Army, serving overseas during World War II.
Belvia left the Army with an Honorable Discharge in 1945 and moved to Los Angeles, where he met and married Avonne Jackson.
He worked for the San Fernando Valley water and power department for a number of years.
In the 1960s he started driving taxi cab in Los Angeles and in 1977 he was one of the original 100 independently licensed cab drivers who formed United Independent Taxie, “The Green & White Cars.”
He also played the bass fiddle in a number of night clubs over many years.
His faith in God was firm and tested through many trials over and over through the years.
Belvia is survived by his wife, Avonne; four daughters, Cheryl Leathers, Darlene Arch, Millicent Williams and Julee Arch-Graham; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joanne (Wally) Radbourne and Herriette Arch; brother, Larry (Sonja) Arch; and many nieces and nephews.
Services were conducted Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Inglewood, Calif.
Charlotte May Saari, 84, of International Falls, Minn., died Wednesday morning, March 4, 2015, at St. Luke’s Health Center, Duluth, Minn.
Charlotte was born May 26, 1930, to Charles A. and Martha Hess in International Falls where she had since remained a lifelong resident.
She graduated from Falls Senior High School in 1948 and went on to attend and graduate from St. Barnabas School of Nursing in Minneapolis, Minn., in 1952.
Charlotte attended and graduated from Rainy River Community College in 1984 with an associates of arts degree.
Charlotte married Bernhard Saari Sr. in June of 1962 in International Falls at the Calvary Methodist Church.
She spent 40 years as a registered nurse working at the Falls Memorial Hospital before retiring.
Charlotte was an active member of the Faith United Church of Christ and helped in the Release Time program and Sunday School in her early years.
She was a member of the Elephant Eaters mission group, was an active member of the AARP Icebox of the North Chapter, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and for many other charities.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Bernhard Sr.
Charlotte is survived by sons, Bernhard (Sonia) Saari Jr. of Gulfport ,Miss., and Charles (Traci) Saari of International Falls; three grandchildren, Charlotte, Emily and Anthony.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at Faith United Church of Christ, International Falls.
Visitation will be one hour prior.
Interment will be in the Veterans of Foreign Wars section of Forest Hill Cemetery, International Falls.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Faith United Church of Christ Endowment Fund or to Meals on Wheels in International Falls.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
