Nancy C. Kaijala

Nancy C. Kaijala, 83, of Elkhart, Indiana passed away the morning of Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Esther’s Hospice House, Elkhart.

Nancy was born on November 25, 1941 in Norwalk, Wisconsin to the late Bernard and Katherine Steinhoff.

On October 22, 1960, she was united in marriage to Milton “Gene” Kaijala in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Gene, as well as two children, Murray (Lori) Kaijala and Kurt (Kathie) Kaijala; two grandchildren, Cassie Seminario and Jamie (Justin) Clements; three great-grandchildren, Landen Seminario, Dallas Clements, and Dixie Clements; as well as siblings, Donna (Jerry) Erickson, Bob Steinhoff, John (Vickie) Steinhoff, Mike Steinhoff, Linda Steinhoff, Jerry Steinhoff, Jeff (Jeane) Steinhoff, and Barb (Leo) Ward.

She was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Remi Clements, as well as siblings Carol Loe, Thomas (Mary Ann) Steinhoff, Pat Steinhoff, Danny (Laurie, Lynn) Steinhoff, Peter (Diane) Steinhoff, and Dennis (Norma)Steinhoff.

Nancy was very creative and enjoyed home projects, interior decorating, and crochet. She was a wonderful baker and had a passion for the outdoors. She and her beloved husband, Gene, made the perfect team. Together, they visited over 40 countries on their many cruises and built their own houses. They also lived in many different states during their marriage and savored visits from their family every chance they got. Nancy was a very loving, patient, and optimistic woman. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM, with visitation for one hour prior at Hartzler Gutermuth Inman Funeral Home, 403 West Franklin Street, Elkhart, Indiana 46516. Pastor Josh Nice will be officiating.

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