Stanley Kaminski

Stanley Kaminski was a loving, self-giving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He looked out for others, but never bragged about what he did for them or accomplished on his own. He was the kind of guy who liked to hunt or watch old westerns, because the panoramic views of the frontier only added to his love of country. Stanley was in his glory when surrounded by family and friends, and his grandchildren easily became his greatest joy in a life filled with blessing.

Stanley’s story began as America was trying to recover from economic depression and political matters were stirring in Europe. Citizens were inspired by Franklin Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats and swelled with pride over Jesse Owen’s gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics. At home in Buffalo, New York, Thomas and Angelina “Nellie” (Dombrowski) Kaminski welcomed the birth of their son on November 16, 1936. He grew up to be a proud American whose duty to God, country and family was a distinction of his character.

Stan graduated from Chicago Vocational High School in 1954 and worked for about a year with Republic Steel before joining the United States Army. He was a committed soldier, who was well read about the Civil War and made a point of celebrating Independence Day each July 4th.

After his term in the Army, Stan went to work for Desoto Chemical, which later became Rohm and Haas, and spent his entire career there, retiring in 2001. His work ethic was surpassed only by his dedication to family and friends.

In 1989, he married Marilyn Vanden in Kankakee, Illinois and they shared a life that joined two families and added to the number of grandchildren Stan enjoyed so much.

Over the years, Stan readily made trips to see family and he and Marilyn liked going on cruises, especially one they took to Alaska.

For all his traveling, Stan still loved being at home, whether entertaining for dinner or having a pool party, working on woodcraft projects or puttering around the house—actually, outside the house. Stan was in charge of decorating the exterior of the home for Christmas, and while he could do anything he wanted in the polebarn/workshop, Marilyn insisted that the house stay neat. Among his more amazing creations, Stan built a three-wheeler that had a back barrel seat to fit a driver and two passengers, and he constructed a heated 10'x14' cat kennel with an attached 14'x20' play area. Needless to say, he was fond of cats, but his favorite white angora, Pepper, was only one of two allowed in the family home.

Stan was a compassionate person and true friend. He had a sincere desire to assist those in need, and it was said of him, that once he was on your side, he was on your team for life. Though he was never a Boy Scout, Stan certainly lived by the part of their creed that now becomes his legacy: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country…to help other people at all times.

Sadly, after a 4 ½ year battle with Mesothelioma, Stanley Kaminski, age 75 of Bourbonnais, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Miller Center Nursing Home in Kankakee, IL. For 25 years, Stan and his wife Marilyn followed the same path, now he walks on a path with God.

Stan is also survived by his children; Donna Kaminski Ferris (Saul) of Northern Illinois, Julia Kaminski of Northern Illinois, and Allison Kaminski of Pennsylvania, step-children; Dr. Kirk and Michelle Vanden of Florida, Dr. Joel and Dr. Karen Vanden of Pennsylvania, and Nicole Vanden Walker of Bradley, IL, grandchildren; Austin, Molly, and Hannah Ferris of Northern Illinois, Alesha Linton, Allison and Audrey Vanden all of Florida, Nicholas and Kelly Vanden of Pennsylvania, and Dominique and Ty Walker of Bradley, IL, a sister Helen, and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great-nephews, and friends. Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Melvin J. and Ruth Kempen, brothers Tommy and Harry Kaminski, and two infant brothers.

A time of gathering will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 10 AM until the time of service at 12 noon at Schreffler Life Story Funeral Homes Kankakee Chapel, followed by an interment at mound Grove gardens of memory in Kankakee, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the church of Stan’s membership, Central Christian Church, in Bourbonnais, IL or to Hospice of Kankakee Valley.