Jonathan Lee Vangen
Jonathan Lee Vangen, 55, of Monona, Iowa died Saturday, Oct. 22, at his home in Monona.
Jonathan Lee was born on July 1, 1961, to Raymond and Janet (Burke) Vangen in Postville, Iowa. In high school he participated in football, basketball and baseball, including two state baseball tournaments, finishing first in 1976 and third in 1977. He graduated from MFL High School in 1979, and attended Waldorf College and Upper Iowa University. Jon worked for the Wisconsin State Prison in the Rec Department for seventeen years.
Jon enjoyed traveling, driving his car, taking trips to Las Vegas, listening to country and classic rock music and attending concerts with his daughter. He constantly worked on his collection of autographed cards, including his favorites, Raef Lafrentz, Steve Stricker, Jack Dittmer and Matt Kenseth. Jon also liked going to Miller Park and Lambeau Field to cheer on the Brewers and Packers. He loved spending time with his family, friends and his yellow lab, Case.
Jon is survived by his daughter, Takara Vangen, of Garnavillo, Iowa; Bryan McBain, of Garnavillo; parents, Raymond and Janet Vangen, of Monona; two sisters, Vannessia (David) Klinsky, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Kimberly (Patrick) Marshall, of Cedar Rapids, ; five nieces and nephews, Alissa (Mark Mendoza) Klinsky, of Cedar Rapids, Erik (Briona) Klinsky of Brooklyn Park, Minn., Alexandra Klinsky, of Cedar Rapids. Joseph (Shelley) Marshall, of West Des Moines and Mallory Marshall, of Cedar Rapids, one great-nephew, Connor Mendoza; and special friend, Kara Giselson, of Prairie du Chien.
Jon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Johan and Evelyn Vangen and Melvin and Goldie Burke.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, and one hour before services at the church on Thursday. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona, with Rev. Erika Kielstrup as the Officiant. Burial will be at a later date at Walnut Mound Cemetery, Retreat. Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, is helping the family with the arrangements.