Sylvia Kaminski

Sylvia A. (Kluiter) Loeschen Kaminski (82) of Overland Park, KS went to be with her Savior on February 13, 2022. She was at home surrounded by her loving family following a short, brave battle with ovarian cancer.

Born in Butler County, IA, Sylvia lived on farms there while growing up. She graduated from Parkersburg High School and the University of Northern Iowa as a Home Economics Teacher and taught in Grants, NM and Waterloo, IA. She met her late husband, Gordon E. Loeschen, while teaching at McKinstry School in Waterloo. They married November 22, 1962. They were blessed with two daughters, Valerie and Brenda. Sylvia met her second husband, Richard Kaminski through dancing, and they married in April 1995.  

She was a woman of strong faith and was generous of spirit in friendships. Sylvia was quintessentially a friend, valuing the talents and companionship of others.  As a gifted cook and seamstress, a quiet teacher and leader, a wise and selfless mother and wife, she found joy in her time with others. She relished being a grandmother and as her granddaughter Emily notes, she was intentional; intentional in prayer and thoughts, words and actions. She was a beautiful role model for family and all those around her. 

As an active member of Colonial Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, MO, she was involved in many church and community Bible studies over the years. Sylvia participated in bridge groups, crochet/crafting for ministry and enjoyment, square/round/clog dancing as well as being a long-time volunteer with Harvesters Community Food Network. While a sweet-spirited person, she took no prisoners at cards and games. 

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Augusta (Cassmann) Kluiter and Sebo Kluiter; brother, Robert Kluiter; and husband, Gordon Loeschen. She is survived by her husband, Richard Kaminski, of Overland Park, KS; daughters, Valerie Loeschen Hale (Lee) of Laurel, MS and Brenda Francis (Richard) of Shawnee, KS; granddaughter, Emily Francis of St. Louis, MO; sister, Carol 

(Kluiter) Smith (Ron); and brother, LaVern Kluiter (Myrna) of Parkersburg, IA; sister-in-law, Sandra Routh (Don) of Cedar Falls, IA; step-children, Chris Ream, Steve Kaminski, Vicki Howe (Johnnie); many step-grandchildren; a step-great granddaughter; an aunt, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 12, 11:00 AM at Colonial Presbyterian Church on Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO with luncheon to follow. Donations made in lieu of flowers will be used to honor Sylvia’s favorite charities, Harvesters Community Food Network and Battle Boutique.