Eva M. Vahakangas

Eva M. Vahakangas, age 74, of Lake Norden, SD, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Sanford USD Medical Center.  

Eva was born to the late Pastor John and Gladys (Wittenburg) Paana on October 22, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Eva resided most of her life in Minneapolis before moving to Lake Norden, South Dakota. She worked briefly from home before retiring.

Eva was united in marriage on March 10, 1979, in Kingston, Minnesota to her beloved Timo Paivio Vahakangas and was blessed with three daughters.  They were given 16 short years of marriage before the Lord called Timo home in 1995.  Eva became a hardworking single mother caring for her young family.  She spent 48 years working as an account manager and fulfilling various positions.  Much of Eva’s life was also spent caring for others including her parents, husband, and brother during their lengthy health issues while still providing for her family.

Eva was known for her hospitality and service by welcoming others into her home with her delicious home cooked meals.  Her doors were always open to others and often hosting guests for nights.  Eva was a faithful Christian, often sharing her journey and faith with others.  She was encouraged by the gospel message and desired to hear all her shortcomings, faults, and failures forgiven in the precious atoning blood of Jesus.  Eva strived to follow the bloody footprints of her Savior so that one day we could all meet at that heavenly shore.  Her family and grandchildren meant the world to her and she loved them deeply.  Eva enjoyed traveling to visit with her family and friends. 

Eva will be dearly missed by all those who love her: her daughters: Katrina Vahakangas (Lake Norden, SD), Sarah (Erik) Siirtola (Laurium, MI), Becky Vahakangas (Lake Norden, SD), her grandchildren Amias, Karah, Wesley, Anikka, Brianna, Serenity, Titus, Raelynn and Gabriel Siirtola together with the host of family and friends.

Eva was preceded in death by her husband, Timo, her parents and two brothers, Paul and David Paana.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away        Revelation 21:4

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Lake Norden Apostolic Lutheran Church, rural Lake Norden, SD. Ray Kulla will officiate. Music will be provided by Ruthie Seppanen as organist.

Time of Sharing will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Lake Norden Apostolic Lutheran Church, rural Lake Norden, SD. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at the church on Friday.

Funeral service will be at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Plymouth Lutheran in Plymouth, MN. Carl Aho will officiate. Music will be provided by Wanda Olson as organist. Active Pallbearers will be Arne Isaacson, Nathan Seppanen, Philip Bisila, Erik Siirtola, Amias Siirtola and Wesley Siirtola. Honorary Pallbearers will be Peter Kulla, Heikki Kettunen, Titus Siirtola and Gabriel Siirtola.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at the church on Saturday in Plymouth.

Burial will be at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti 

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