Lee Loren Landkamer, born to Loren and Mary (Larson) Landkamer on January 23, 1959 in Fairbury, Nebraska. He unexpectedly passed away peacefully at his ranch in the mountains of Colorado south of Gunnison, April 4, 2021.
Lee grew up in small towns of Nebraska and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1977. He was a founding member of The Loose Nuts Car Club in high school, which led to his interest in engineering. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Nebraska and worked for Schlumberger International across the United States and for ten years in the Middle East.
In 1993 he moved to Colorado to change the direction of his engineering skills to help take care of the Earth. He earned his master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and decided to continue on in teaching and research, earning his doctorate in 2003. He remained at the School of Mines, teaching and doing research until 2018.
Lee was born with an adventurous spirit, leading his younger brothers on explorations to see what was over the next hill. His father passed on his love of hunting and fishing to Lee. Besides the three brothers and a sister he grew up with, Lee had a large extended family in the climbing community. He was a founding member of Team Duck Tape, and joined with the team Army of Darkness in rock climbing. Any opportunity to climb rock or ice was gleefully accepted. The solitude of the Southwest deserts and the companionship of friends contributed to when he was the happiest. Lee had recently achieved his dream of purchasing a Ranch in the remote mountains of Colorado.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents Loren (Jack) and Mary, and his brothers Gregg and Jay.
He is survived by his sister Christine (Rich) Hanley, his brother Eric (Kit) Landkamer, nephews Will & Carl Hanley (CA), Sean (Bryanna), Jason, Luke and niece, Erin Landkamer (NE). Donations may be made to your favorite environmental or wildlife non-profit in remembrance of Lee. Memorial gathering will take place at a future date.
