It is with great sadness and love that the family of Loren Frank Kamish announces his passing on January 3, 2024, at the age of 91. Loren was born on April 12, 1932 to Frank and Nellie Kamish. A huge void remains where his physical presence, laughter, kindness, and strength once was, but heaven has gained an angel, and he is now with the love of his life, his wife, Barbara.
Loren was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Kamish of Casper, Wyoming, his parents Frank and Nellie, and sister Kathleen of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.
Loren is survived by his only brother Robert Kamish and 4 adult children, Louise Ehrhart (Bruce) of Arizona, Steve Kamish (Lila) of Wyoming, Laurie Lewin (Kenny) of Colorado, and Lynnie Pecjak (Toni) of Ontario, Canada. He is survived by 11 loving grandchildren, Heather, Tiffany, Kelly, Travis, Stacy, Nicholas, Adam, Abbie, Sarah, Summer, and Matthew. Even more blessings came with 16 nieces and nephews and 23 great-grandchildren.
In his teen years, Loren worked for his father's Oil and Gas company in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. Sports also played a huge part in his high school years. As a dedicated and talented athlete, Loren helped lead his high school basketball team in St. Croix Falls to the 1950 State Championship! He was the last surviving member of that team. Along with the basketball came love of football, baseball, and track.
It was during this time that he met the love of his life…his high school sweetheart…Barbara Jasperson. They both graduated from St. Croix Falls High School in 1950, married, and started a family.
As far as his education goes, Loren was accepted at the University of WI on a football scholarship but decided to instead transfer to the University of Minnesota in 1951. He continued to excel in college and went on to earn several degrees from 1950 – 1964 including BS in P.E., and then 2 Masters in Education…all while being the father to 4 small blonde headed children he referred to as the "Wild Russians."
Loren's career fit him to a "T." He was passionate about education and coaching during his career and made a positive difference at every school that had the great fortune to hire him. His career started in 1954 with various Head Coach positions in Wisconsin, including West Concord, Spring Valley, Park Falls, and Ashland.
After achieving his second graduate degree, he started his second career in educational administration starting with a position as Principal in Floodwood, Minnesota, then a big move for him and the family came when advancing to the Director of Special Services at Wayne State College, Wayne, Nebraska in 1965 which was the perfect place to finish raising his family. He later went on to become the Dean of Students.
With the kids all grown and flown the coup, opportunity knocked again as Loren was recruited and offered his final 2 positions in Casper, Wyoming (God's Country, as he would call it) where he would live out his glory years. The first was starting as Principal of Natrona High School serving from 1977 – 1981, and then finally moving into his last position before retirement in 1989, at Natrona Central Services.
Then the fun of retirement for 46 years finally came! He loved being at peace with the outdoors, fishing on Pathfinder, hunting the Tetons, raising his beloved horses, enjoying a good day on the golf course, and s haring many special times with good friends and family.
Loren most likely would NOT like or approve of the list of accolades written above because Lord knows, he was definitely not one to toot his own horn. So it must be said that all this aside…maybe his greatest gift was the way he lived his life. Always being true to himself, steady, strong, kind, modest, and a true gentleman. And in that example, he has given us all who knew him such a gift. Rest in peace. We love you.
Memories and condolences can be shared on this site and cards can be sent to his family at Louise Ehrhart:
3400 S. Ironwood Drive
Lot 52
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
Any donations received will be gifted to St. Croix Falls High School Athletic Department in memory of Loren Frank Kamish.
A celebration of his life will be at a future date.
To share a memory of Loren or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.