Racine–Terry Lee Kammien, Sr., age 44, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, May 5, 2013 following a brave struggle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Terry was born in Racine on May 1, 1969 to Jack and Esther (nee: Mandli) Kammien. He graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1988”. On March 21, 1992 in St. Edward Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Jennifer Lynne (nee: Day) Kammien.
Terry was employed as a machinist at In-Sink-Erator, until his battle with ALS forced him to retire in 2012. He was a devoted member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. As a sports enthusiast, he played City of Racine League softball and was an avid bowler. Terry was also a dedicated coach for RASA, Racine Youth Sports and Old Timers Football League. Above all, his number one priority was being involved in anything to do with his treasured family.
Surviving are his loving wife, Jennifer; their sons, Terry Lee “T.J.” Kammien Jr. (age 19) and Brady Allan Kammien (age 12); mother, Esther Kammien; sisters, Kathy Running, Karen (Joe) Covelli, Sherryl Olszewski, Susan (Gregg) Pofahl, Lorri Kammien and Lynn Kammien; brother, Jack (Heather) Kammien II; Jennifer’s parents, Sue and John Barrett, Larry (Patricia) Day; brother-in-law, Stephen (Lynel) Day; sister-in-law, Julie (Todd) Ogren; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Terry was preceded in death by his father, Jack Kammien.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Lucy Catholic Church (3101 Drexel Avenue) on Friday, May 10, 2013 at 12:00 noon with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday 4-8 pm (Service of Remembrance at 7:30 pm) and in the church on Friday from 11 am -12 noon. Memorials to the Terry Kammien ALS Benefit Fund at any North Shore Bank have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Bruce Luccas, M.D. for your early detection – allowing us to fit more memories into the short time that was left. Also, special thanks to Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care and support. May God bless all of you!
Nicole&jt jones says
Jenny, TJ, Brady and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God bless and stay strong.
Tressa Stein says
I was friends with Terry during our high school years and a few years after, as he hung around the theater with all of his stagehand friends and later worked with my mother at Walgreens and they too became friends, He was always super fun to hang out with and tell funny stories and also personal stories as we had a lot in common in our personal lives. He was so open and honest and such a great person with an open heart, even if his exterior he mostly portrayed as tough. Even though it has been a few years since I have seen him I, I am sad to know he is no longer here to bump into on this earth. I am sorry he had such a painful disease and I will be praying for his wife and children during this difficult time, but will also rejoice in that he is no longer in pain and with our Lord to watch over the ones he loves so much. Terry, YOU WILL BE MISSED!!!
Jessica S. Oettinger Hillman says
You are all in our prayers! So sorry for your loss. . .
Rob Bandkowski says
So sorry for your loss from Coach Rob and the Bandkowski family he was a great man, a great coach, and an awesome dad. Keep your heads up we will be with him again some day.
Sandra Lee (Eckert) Sorensen says
I was so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. I’m sending our love and prayer’s to your wife and family from the Kammien side that you younger one’s didn’t get to know. The Webers and Eckerts. Your Grandfather and my Grandmother Martha Weber were brother and sister.
Love and Prayers, Sandra Lee (Eckert) Sorensen and my families.
Wally and Alana Scanlon Jr says
Jenny and Sons
Are thoughts are with today and everyday so sorry we can’t be there with you But Skip and Shawn will be there in our place Stay strong for Terry he is an angel and taking care of all of you from a better place love to all of you
Dawn Johnson says
My prayers go out to your wife, kids and family. You will be missed by many! I am sorry I didn’t get to see during your illness. The world will not be the same without you! Forever in my heart.(my friend and old work partner)
Gretchen Christensen says
My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to Terry’s whole family.
Tom & Cathy McDowell says
We will always remember Terry for his competitive spirit, for his love of fun, but mostly his very contagious smile! We have missed him at softball games these last years. Our prayers are with his family. He will be missed!