Leona Marie Kamnikar

It is with great sadness that the family of Leona Marie Kamnikar of South Haven, Michigan announces that Leona (Lee) passed away on July 25, 2017 at the age of 78.  Lee had fought a valiant battle against cancer the last 7 months of her life.  Lee had a wonderful, complete life that began in Illinois, took her around the world, and ended gently in South Haven, Michigan.

Lee was born on February 1, 1939, in Marseilles, Illinois to her father and mother, Robert and Lela Thompson. She graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1961.  During college she was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority at NIU.  During college she met and soon married the love of her life, Anthony “Bud” Kamnikar.  They were married in a snow storm on December 22, 1961 and their adventure together began.

For years, Lee was a teacher.  First, she taught at Wilmington and Laraway Schools in Joliet, Illinois and then, for a number of years, at the Kalamazoo Public Schools.

Lee was an active member of the community.  When it came to Lee Kamnikar, you were only a stranger once.  She was a gentle, kind woman who treated everyone like a friend often remembering details you only expect a close relative to remember.  She was always smiling, laughing, and fun to be around.  All during her life she remained an active member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority, focusing on helping abused women.  She also joined the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of South Haven.  She was also a member of St. Basil Church, The South Haven Yacht Club, the American Legion, the V.F.W., the Moose Lodge, and the South Haven Elks Club.

Lee loved boating and sailing. In one year, she and Bud traveled over 6,000 miles aboard their boat The Gypsy Sunshine.  She also loved traveling with Bud to many destinations around the world - including every state in the United States.  In her later years, she loved to spend time with her grandchildren, who she adored.  And her grandkids loved their “Nana”.

She is preceded in death by her father, Robert, her mother, Lela, and her brother Phillip Thompson.  Lee is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bud Kamnikar.  She is also survived by her daughter, Karen Deschaine (John), and three grandchildren, Jonathan, Madalyn, and Genevieve, all of South Haven, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you consider a donation in Lee’s name to the AAUW Scholarship Fund. Please visit http://southhaven-mi.aauw.net/scholarships/ for more information.

A memorial service is scheduled at St. Basil Church in South Haven, Michigan on September 15, 2017 at 11:00 am.  A luncheon will be offered after the service.