Vance Leon Kaminski

Vance Leon Kaminski, 87, a resident of Tarpon Springs, Florida, died November 18, 2017.

Vance was born in Tacoma, WA, August 7, 1930, to Vincent and Minnie Kaminski and was an only child.

Vance grew up in Washington State. He was raised by aunts and uncles after his mother died at the age of 9, while his father continued his work as a lumberjack. Vance attended country school in Washington State.

In the 1950’s, Vance went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he received a degree in architecture.

Vance was a loving, kind, and serving man with an adventurous spirit. He was a nature-lover, moving around the country touring the National Parks. Vance proudly spent his working career with the National Park Service. He served in California and Omaha, and at Yellowstone and Golden Gate National Parks. Vance married Gloria Clive in 1958. They resided in California and had three children: son Paul, 1960; daughter Debbie, 1963; and son Michael, 1966. In 1968, he took a job with the Park Service in Omaha, NE. The family relocated to Omaha in 1969. There, Vance was active with the Omaha chapter of Toastmasters, holding position of president and attended Florence Presbyterian Church. Gloria and Vance divorced in 1973.

In 1974, Vance married Elfreda W. Hansen of Council Bluffs, IA. Shortly after that, they relocated to Colorado, where they resided for a number of years. They then moved to Yellowstone National Park where they continued their work for the NP. Vance remodeled and renovated kitchens and living spaces for the park. Vance and Elfreda were charter members of the Lion’s Club established at Garner, Wyo. They also spent a number of years in San Francisco at Golden Gate NP and commuted to Santa Rosa where he spent time caring for his aging father. Upon retirement, they relocated back to Colorado. Vance became active in the Lions club of Idaho Springs and held several offices including president. He and his wife were also active with the Eye Institute and health fairs. Together, they attended United Church of Idaho Springs. Vance led an active lifestyle and attended many organizations and meetings throughout his life. He also loved traveling.

Some of his great architectural accomplishments include designing the visitor’s center at Mount Rushmore and the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park. Vance was one of a few that has ever stood atop the Mount Rushmore monument. He also spelunked Wind Cave in order to conceptualize the walkway for visitors. In addition, Vance led the restoration project of President Lincoln’s home, in Springfield, MO, as an historical architect, restoring it to its state when Mr. Lincoln lived there.

Toward the end of his life, Vance relocated to Florida living near his youngest son, Michael.

Vance is survived by his children: Paul Kaminski, Debbie Kaminski, Michael Kaminski; son-in-law, Jeff Horak; grand children: Nathan Kaminski-Horak, Jennifer Kaminski-Horak, and Paul Michael Kaminski.

Vance was preceded in death by his wife, Elfreda, and his parents.

Service of Remembrance will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN, Tuesday, November 28th, 4 pm.


Service of Remembrance will be held at 4 p.m., on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls with Reverend David Foss officiating.
Assistance provided by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com