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

Lisa Irene Kaikuaana

December 17, 1960 - February 11, 2022

Share photos of Lisa