Kammi (Thorlakson) Leland

   Kammi Sue Thorlakson Leland, 44, Portland, ND, went to Jesus Wednesday morning, May 22, 2019, in a tragic accident.

   Kammi was born November 24, 1974 in Cavalier ND to the late Harold Thorlakson and Lynda (Thorlakson) Mickels.  She attended school in Cavalier and moved to Mayville-Portland before her eighth grade school year. She graduated in 1993 from May-Port High School and was an athlete who participated in basketball, volleyball, track, and softball.  She excelled in any sport she played and won awards for her hard work and determination.

   Kammi attended Josef’s School of Hair Design in Fargo and graduated in 1994 with a cosmetology license.  She worked at a variety of salons, including Lynda’s Hair Care in Portland, Joyce’s Beauty Bar in Finley, Luther Memorial Nursing Home Beauty Shop in Mayville and most recently at Sports Clips in Grand Forks. She loved her current position because she got to cut men’s and boys hair, which reminded her of her grandchildren.

   Kammi married Stuart Leland on October 25, 1997.  Together they had Cort Levi (22) and Gracy Ruth (16). She worked on their farm, milking cows, riding horses, gardening, and playing with her children. As time went on, Kammi and Stuart divorced, but she continued to love her children every day.  Kammi was so proud when her grandsons were born. Taylor Reed (almost 3) and Konnor Roy (1) were born to Cort Leland and Ashley Becker.  She was a very loving grandmother and would take every opportunity she had to be with her grandchildren “my two boys.” Kammi also enjoyed playing Bingo and was often a lucky duck!

   Kammi was a spitfire growing up, a true tomboy, she would often play outside, explore the woods, build forts and climb trees.  She also had a girly side as she and her sister Kristen played house and would dress their dog Taffy in baby clothes. They could often be found strolling their “baby” around the house and through the neighborhood.  Her brother Mark was and still is his sisters’ biggest protector and is absolutely heartbroken as is her sister Kristen.  The three stuck together like glue growing up, and even though times were stressful, they all loved each other fiercely and would defend each other to anyone who had an unkind word to say. Her big heart was always in the right place, always kind and caring. She loved her parents Lynda and Sven, her brother and sister, and especially loved her children Cort and Gracy, grandchildren Taylor and Konnor Leland and their mother Ashley Backer. The world is a very empty place as we believe she is walking with her Dad Harry in heaven. Our hearts will be forever broken over this tragic and unforeseen death.

   Kammi is survived by her children Cort Leland, Ashley, ND, Gracy Leland, Portland, ND, her parents Lynda and Sven Mickels of Portland, ND, her brother Mark Thorlakson (Byron Velander) Grand Forks, ND, her sister Kristen (Justin) Look, Linton, ND, her grandchildren Taylor Leland and Konnor Leland (Ashley Becker), her nephews Korrigan Look and Julian Look, and her niece Preslee Look, all of Linton, ND.  She is also survived by two half-brothers, Hale and Mika Thorlakson and their families.

   She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Thorlakson, her grandparents Ingvar and Sylvia Benjaminson, and Sig and Myrtle Thorlakson, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins are so lucky to be dancing in heaven with her.  She will be truly missed every single day for the rest of our lives.  We look forward to the day we can reunite in heaven with our little KamBam.

Visitation:  Will be 5–7 PM Saturday, May 25, 2019 with a 7 PM Public Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: 1:00 PM Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the Bang Lutheran Church in Portland, ND.

Burial: Will be in the Bang Cemetery in Portland, ND.