Kangas, Lenni William

Lenni William Kangas, 78, died of cancer on Thursday, April 7, 2011, at his home in Iowa City, surrounded by his wife and children. A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Church in Iowa City on Wednesday, April 13, at 2 p.m.

Lenni was born to Katharyn and Waino William Kangas on Nov. 21, 1932. He grew up in Superior, Wis., graduated from the University of Wisconsin, served on the Navy's aircraft carrier, the USS Yorktown, for three years, and later earned a master's degree in public health at the University of North Carolina. He was Assistant Dean of Men at the University of California, Berkeley, and witnessed hydrogen bombs while working for Lawrence Radiation Laboratory.

In 1963, he joined the Ford Foundation and began a long and passionate career devoted to solving the world's population problems. He joined the U.S. Agency for International Development in 1969 as the first deputy director of its newly formed Office of Population. Through his work in Egypt, India, and the Philippines, Lenni was a part of the pioneering group of “Poppers” who collaborated with governments of developing countries and non-governmental organizations to establish the first international family planning programs.

After retiring from the Senior Foreign Service in 1986, Lenni continued to work on population and HIV-AIDS prevention from the Agency's Africa Bureau. He never fully retired, continuing his consulting activities until last year. Lenni was generous and gregarious. He was responsible for attracting many professionals to the field of population and supporting them in their careers.

While still in California, Lenni married Georgia Lee Clare and in 1963, moved his young family, including daughters, Tanya and Sara, to Egypt. Lenni used his overseas postings to pursue his many interests, including scuba diving and sailing in the Pacific.

After Georgia Lee's death in 1983, Lenni met Anna Quandt. They were married in 1989. Lenni and Anna adopted Peter John Kangas in 1991 in Romania. The family moved to Iowa in 2002. They owned and operated Revolt, the indoor skateboard park in Iowa City, for two years.

Lenni enjoyed telling stories, discussing politics, following the news, playing tennis, fishing at Lake Vermillion, walking his dog Molly, drinking red wine, and watching the eagles soar over the Iowa River.

He is survived by his wife, Anna; his daughters, Tanya Paloma Reams (Gary) and Sara Kangas (Peter Mark); his son, Peter Kangas; cousins, John Kangas and Paula Wood; and many other loving relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to National Public Radio.

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