Funeral services for James M. Vangen of
Albert Lea
,
MN
, will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at the Grace Lutheran Church of Albert Lea. Reverend Todd Walsh and Reverend Andrea Myers will officiate. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 5 until 7 PM at the Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Ft Snelling National Cemetery,
Minneapolis
,
MN
.
James died Saturday evening, August 28, 2010 at St Johns Lutheran Home,
Albert Lea
,
MN
. He was 74 years of age.
James was born June 10, 1936 the son of Minord H. and Harriet C. (
Anderson
) Vangen. He graduated from
Ellendale
High school
and entered the US Air Force serving in
Alaska
. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Richter on September 29, 1990 at the
Grace
Lutheran
Church
where he had been a member for many years.
James was a dispatcher for over 37 years with Interstate Power (Allient Energy). He was a member of the American Legion, Elks Club and the Eagles Club. Jim was a dedicated fan of
Albert Lea
sports especially hockey, baseball and football. He spent over 20 years coaching VFW baseball and hockey. His Swedish hockey exchanges spanned over a 13 year period. They united hundreds of families and provided education and global enrichment through a home sharing program. Lifelong friendships were made through these exchanges. He loved high school football and held his seats on the 50 yard line for a number of years. He taught his children how to golf, ice skate, throw, kick and hit a ball and was never more proud than watching his own children compete. And of course, he was a fan of the Vikings, the Twins, the Gophers, the Coyotes and Diamondbacks as well.
James is survived by his wife Carolyn of Albert Lea, MN, children; Gregory Vangen of
Edina
,
MN
, Bradley and his wife Nancy Vangen of
Delaware
,
Ohio
, Gayle and her husband John Jurik of
Phoenix
,
Arizona
and stepson Jeffery and his wife Chris Sanvick of
Winona
,
MN
. Grandchildren include; Lars and Nels Vangen, Annika Jurik and step grandsons Conner and Carsen Sanvick. One sister survives; Sharon (Herman) Marthalor of Cambridge, MN.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Brother Gary Ross (Julie) Vangen and a brother David L. Vangen in infancy.
