Väinö Sammalkangas, a 102-year-old veteran who served during the Rukajärvi front, has died peacefully in a nursing home in Nivala after a short illness. His passing was somewhat unexpected for his family, given that he had remained healthy and mentally active until recent times. Sammalkangas was one of the last surviving members of the Rukajärvi direction historical association, representing a significant link to Finland's wartime history.

His son, Jorma Sammalkangas, described his father’s passing as calm and took place early in the morning. Following his death, he was brought home where a brief memorial was held, led by a parish priest. The local community, which had been involved in the historical exhibitions at the Rukajärvi center in Kiuruvesi, expressed their condolences and memories of the veteran’s contributions to preserving the history of the region.

Sammalkangas’s death marks the end of an era for the veterans of the Rukajärvi front, reminding many of the sacrifices made during the war. His life and experiences continue to be an important part of Finland's collective memory and identity, as well as a reminder of the resilience of those who endured the challenges of war. The news has resonated deeply within the local community and among veterans as they reflect on their shared history and the personal stories behind it.