Kathleen A. (Lebens) Hamilton, a lifelong resident of Shakopee, passed away the afternoon of October 7, 2014 at the age of 70. A gathering of family and friends is Friday, October 10, 2014 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Shakopee. The Celebration of Life Service is Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Shakopee. Jean Breeggemann will lead the service, and Jessica Stephens will act as urn bearer. Kathleen will be laid to rest at Shakopee Catholic Cemetery with her family.
It was a beautiful fall day in Shakopee on November 6, 1943 when Harry and Violet Lebens celebrated the birth of the beautiful baby girl, Kathleen. She was the youngest of six and the only girl. As a child Kathleen was a bit of a Tom-Boy tagging along with her older brothers. She loved spending time with them, and they were always looking out for her. Kathleen’s love for animals began when she was very young. She had many pets, but her favorite was the family’s pet crow who would steal any shiny item it could find.
Kathleen attended and graduated from Shakopee High School. After high school she met and married Larry Hamilton. Together Kathleen and Larry had four beautiful children, Denise, David, Dana and Duane. Sadly, their David joined the angels in Heaven as an infant. As a family, they enjoyed camping. One of their favorite spots was Fish Lake.
Eventually Kathleen and Larry separated, and Kathleen continued raising her children as a single parent. She worked two jobs to support her family, but she made a good life for her children. True to her love for animals, Kathleen always had a few pets in the house. They had dogs, cats, birds, gerbils, hamsters, and even a pot-bellied pig throughout the years. This love for animals is something Kathleen passed onto her children and grandchildren.
Kathleen was always so generous and giving. She’d take in any person (or animal) that needed a meal, a place to stay or just someone to talk to. She’d always have a cup of coffee or piece of chocolate to share with anyone who visited her. Kathleen was a hard worker, and her first job was at a local bank. She was a true people-person and loved interacting with everyone at the bank. Kathleen eventually applied her people skills to a job as a waitress. Over the years she worked at Rock Spring, Dangerfield’s, Granny’s and the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Kathleen was forced to retire about eight years ago due to health issues, but she always kept that go-getter spirit that took her through life.
Antiquing, gardening, feeding and watching the birds were some of Kathleen’s favorite past times. She loved spending time in her flower gardens caring for her hosta plants and daisies. Kathleen also loved celebrating holidays in a big way, especially Christmas and Easter. She’d always have an Easter egg hunt for her grandkids. They’d find candy, money and special treats in the eggs. Kathleen was truly a caring and giving woman who was a wonderful mom and a loving grandma. She was the ultimate caregiver looking out for everyone around her.
Kathleen passed away at St. Francis Hospital with her daughters and granddaughter by her side. Kathleen will be remembered always by her children, Denise (Paul Rein) Henderson, Dana Hamilton and Duane (Nellie) Hamilton; grandchildren, Jessica, Jackie, Mylee, Marissa, Richelle and Aaron; great-grandchild, Madison Stephens; brothers, Ernie Lebens, Butch (Gert) Lebens and Ed Lebens. Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Violet Lebens; infant son, David; grandson, Joshua Stephens; brothers, Jimmy Lebens, Richard Lebens; sister-in-law, Karen Lebens.
The Hamilton family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
