Lisa Irene Kaikuaana

Lisa Irene Kaikuaana

December 17, 1960 - February 11, 2022

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Obituary

MADISON - Lisa I. Kaikuaana, 61, died peacefully in the early afternoon on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at UW Hospital. She was born fourth in her family on Dec. 17, 1960, at Madison General Hospital, to Robert and Wanda Knickmeier.


She had three older brothers, Jeff, Mike, and Tom Knickmeier, who protected and cared for her. In addition, she had one younger, kind-hearted sister, Amy Melton. In all, Lisa shared a loving bond with each of her siblings that will be carried on.


Lisa graduated from Hilo High School, in Hawaii, in 1979. Afterwards, she came back home, to Wisconsin, to attend nursing school at UW Madison. She carried out her passion and career of nursing in the cardiovascular department at UW Hospital and UW West Clinic for 35 years. With this career, she devoted her time and efforts to health care emphasizing patient advocation.


She convinced her high school sweetheart, Clyde Iokepa Kaikuaana, a young and energetic native Hawaiian, to come back to cold Mazomanie, Wis. Together, they shared 37 years of marriage filled with happiness, loud laughs, and unconditional love. In these years of marriage, they had two children, Nikki Kuuleilani Kaikuaana and Jace Iokepa Kaikuaana.


Lisa is survived by her husband of 38 years, Clyde Kaikuaana; daughter, Nikki Kaikuaana; son, Jace Kaikuaana; two brothers, Michael Knickmeier and Thomas (Tammy) Knickmeier; sister, Amy (Darrick) Melton; her nieces and nephews, Kole, Leah, Noah, Kelly, Rebecca, and Caroline; her best friends, Shelley Drager, Pam Laufenberg, Marc and Bette Volenec and Lisa Chritell Sandri; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Jeffrey Knickmeier.


A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420




Events

19
Visitation
Sat Feb 19, 2022 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
19
Memorial Service
Sat Feb 19, 2022 @ 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions

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Memories

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Lisa
C
Caroline
Other •
The world will never be the same without Lisa, but will forever be a better place because of her influence. So rare is there a person so beautiful, hardworking, loving, fun, smart, and brave. Much love, Caroline
TS
Tribute Store
Other •
Amy and family, You are in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the arms of the Lord.
JH
Jenifer Holmes
Other •
Prayers for peace and strength at such a difficult time for the family of Lisa. I had the honor of working with her just a short time - but she left her mark on my heart... a person with a heart so full of love and care, and so wonderfully fun at the same time. Beautiful, beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed greatly by so many people she touched, and the world will never be the same...
DY
Dai Yamanouchi
Other •
"Lisa Kaikuaana" will remain in our hearts forever. With our deepest and heartfelt condolences,
DG
David and Daphnee Gleason
Other •
To my Ohana Cuz Clyde and Nikki and Jace I'm so sorry Lisa your beautiful wife and mom passed.Our condolences and prayers for you all!
GS
Gregory Sheehy
Other •
When Lisa and Clyde were much younger, like myself, they honored me by becoming patients. And what I remember in both were wonderful smiles, warm personalities, and very positive attitudes. They clearly were people who looked at the glass half full, rather than half empty. Over time, I lost track of them. But it is important for their family to know that they made an impression on me, as they did, I am sure, on many others. We all need role models in how to deal with life, and they were it! I am very sorry to learn that Lisa is gone. And my sympathy goes out to Clyde, Nikki, and Jace, as well as to extended family. She was a remarkable person. And I know you were all important in making her such. Please take comfort in remembering all the good things you did for her in life. Peace. -Gregory L Sheehy MD

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