Bani Kinnison
November 20, 1974 ~ October 16, 2019
Bani Le Kinnison, 44, of Lisbon, died October 16, 2019 after a very brief illness. A gathering to celebrate her life will take place 2-4 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, with an Acknowledgement Time at 4 p.m.
She is survived by her love, James Kurtzleben; parents, Keith and Denise (Marshall) Kinnison; sister, Grace Kinnison; grandmother, Shirley McFadden; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bani was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wayne McFadden, and Louise and Dick Kinnison; and aunt, Fern Barringer.
Born to Keith and Denise (Marshall) Kinnison on November 20, 1974, Bani was always a happy, caring spirit. She graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Art History, Women's Studies, and Psychology from Cornell College in 1997. Her art was a gift to us all. She worked in many different mediums, sharing techniques and knowledge with other artists freely. Bani shared her time with her family and friends enjoying music, food, and her beautiful sense of humor.
Memorials in Bani's memory may be directed to James for donation.
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You will always be my best friend and sister. You made me who I am and I will do my best to continue your legacy of smiles, love and kindness. You made the world a MUCH better place and you will live in our hearts forever. Keep shining down on us – we need your light now more than ever.
If ever there was a child who was shy and sweet and adorable and it was Bani. If ever there was a student who was excited and eager to learn, dilegent and successful, it was Bani. If ever there was an artist who was creative and imaginative, it was Bani. If ever there was a woman who was beautiful and intelligent, it was Bani. If ever there was a person who loved and cared, was gentle and kind, it was Bani. Her beautiful eyes, smile and infectious laughter will forever be our treasured memory.
Oh, DeeDee, my heart hurts for you all. Bani will truly be missed by so many but her wonderful artwork will live forever and she will continue to bring smiles and beauty to everyone who views her prints, in all the forms they take. Her joy of life and the beauty around her is her legacy to us all. Huge hugs and tears for you and Keith. 💔
Our hearts are aching for you Keith, Denise and Grace. I beautiful soul has been called to her next phase. Death isn’t opposite of life. It’s the opposite of birth. Life is eternal. May you all be comforted during this painful time. You’ve always been in our heart’s and now even more so on our minds. We love you all.
Thoughts and prayers to all of you bani was always a sweet girl ,nice to everyone .she will be missed
Bani was the love of my life, my whole world, my everything. When we met, I instantly knew she was special, smart, hilarious, sweet, generous, authentic, beautiful, loving. From then until now, I came to realize those first feelings about how wonderful she was were just the indications of who she really was. Everyday there were more and deeper reasons to love Bani.
Bani was an artist. She worked tirelessly producing at least one, and sometimes two pieces a day, then work promoting them online. She also reached out to other artists who were just starting and shared new techniques and how to market their work so they could get started.
As an artist she saw the beauty in everything and everyone she saw. That is not an overstatement, and it’s hard to imagine or believe someone could be so amazing, but each day some new thing made it clear she was the finest, most incredible human I will ever know.
She greeted every person and situation in her life with love. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t see past imperfections; she loved people _for_ their imperfections. Bani loved entirely and completely, and was persistent in reminding you how much she loved you. Bani loved those things you thought were not-good-enough about yourself. She’d constantly tell me how much she loved me, why she loved me, how she found new ways to love me every day. I told her I loved her so much too, how I wish she could, just once, feel and understand how amazing she was. We both understood there was no limit to our love for each other.
Bani’s work inspired me because it demonstrated that amazing love she had for everything and everyone. Her work was uplifting, cheering, and focused on the goodness in life. It brought happiness to people who found and purchased her things all over the world. From her illustrations, to paintings, to fabric designs, and the simplest fun designs for stickers and t-shirts, Bani wanted people to feel the joy and happiness she felt.
Her work was the amazing smile she showed to the rest of world. While Bani shared photos of her smile next to posts for pictures about her work, she shared her most genuine smile with those whom she was closest to. It was a big, bright smile, usually with her giggle and laugh. Bani’s smile came easily around those who knew her heart. She shared it so freely, because there was an endless supply of that joy and love and giggly spirit, and she wanted to completely envelop those closest to her with that love, so they would always know she loved them.
Those who knew her well will look for that spirit of limitless love from Bani in the coming days as comfort. We also learned well from her how to love without reservation, without limit, completely and fully. We learned from Bani how to find beauty everywhere and we will follow her lessons of daily life in the coming days, weeks, and years. The brightest light in our world has gone dim. That beautiful smile, the smile with the joy of a little girl, must continue in our hearts.
Bani will truly be missed. Her understanding of the18th century living hustory, her truly beautiful art made her stand out. Her personal online relationships have helped many. Go with GOD Bani. You are missed
Bani will truly be missed. Her understanding of the18th century living hustory, her truly beautiful art made her stand out. Her personal online relationships have helped many. Go with GOD Bani. You are missed
Beautifully said, James. Mandy and I are so sorry for your loss. The few times we met Bani were more than memorial, and we both instantly became enamored by her gigantic and infectious personality. Bani was the epitome of creativity and spirit, and we are grateful Bani will continue to touch people with her art.
I’m so very sorry for your loss; the world is a little less without her brightness.
Oh, James. I’m so sorry. What a remarkable person Bani must have been. How lucky for you two to have found each other. I only knew her through her joyful, delightful artwork and through the cherry slab pie she made for one of our food days at work. By those things alone, it was easy to see she was talented and funny and kind. And now your words showed how much more she was. Thinking of you and the rest of Bani’s family, and hoping that you feel her love with you always.
James, very Beautifully said. I am so honored to have had the pleasure of knowing her the past 4 yrs and call her my friend. I would always look forward to my Tuesday mornings, because I knew I would see her infectious smiling face. She was a Beautiful person inside and out. I will always cherish our visits we had. She was the most kindhearted & loving person I have ever known. As she said…she wore her heart on her sleeve. And that she did! Whenever she would mentioned someone, she would have so much emotion about them. And I loved that about her! I miss her so much & I will never forget her! My heart is broken. She was taken way too soon from us! I find comfort in knowing she is spreading all of her love to the ones who passed before her. My sincere condolences to you James, and both families. Rest In Peace, my friend, Bani.
My experience with Bani was entirely online, through a Facebook group (Townsends Tavern Talk). She was a wonderful woman, and her wit, vivacity, and charm will be remembered by all of us for all the years to come.
Having only interacted with Bani via the internet, I didn’t know her very well. However, the woman I spoke with was brilliant, funny and a great artist. I will miss seeing her art float through my Facebook feed. You brought beauty to the Earth, Bani, and I thank you.
Bani was the epitome of Beauty, inside and out. Though our only interactions were in-line, from the day we met, I knew she was a special soul. Our contact waned from often to rarely, but her updates and new creations inspires me to keep striving to live my creative life. The thought of this brightest of lights dimming is heartbreaking. But her soul will live and touch those whom she loved. Rest, sweet child, rest.
My online friend am shocked to feel that you have left us for greener pastures. May your family and friends even online friends find conform on your memories that you’ll leave with us. I truly will miss you graphics and what you ought to share with us daily may you Rest In Peace.
I met Bani when she had her awesome store at the Old Capitol Mall. She was so fun and vibrant and just cool to be around. I loved following her Facebook to see all her incredible artwork (including a piece that I bought last year and have hanging in my dining room). I’m so sorry for your loss. She will be dearly missed.
I met Bani through becoming her successor as an office manager at Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors. She was such a beautiful person, inside and out. Soulful, kind, and wonderful. I will miss being in touch with her and seeing her new art.
Wow, I met her online back about 4 years ago. She sometimes was very helpful for me if I ask about something. She was a very bright light in this world and wanted people to be happy and be themselves.
Love you most stunning and oh so talented cousin. You will be so very missed. 💕💕
I, too, only knew her online, but that is not to say that she didn’t impact my life. Few people I meet that way do I look forward to getting to know better. Bani was one of these. If you are here reading this, I am sure you already know how special she was. I cannot imagine our little online tavern without her presence.
Bani was a bright, happy spirit to everyone. Thank you.
I only knew her on Facebook but she was always a good friend to me on there, she always had time to listen to anything I needed to get off my chest and she always had a kind word to say. I regret very much not getting a piece of her artwork. She will be a very much missed friend.
I was part of her Townsend’s and Son group on Facebook, and always looked forward to her posts about the topics. I’m sadden to here there will be more from this beautiful spirit here on Earth, but hope that one day we can all share stories again.
There are no words, she was a beautiful, talented young woman. My deepest sympathy to Keith, Denise and Grace. She will always be in your hearts.
She was such a vibrant person. She always brightened my day wether it was one of her prints or a picture of her. I only knew her online, but she always made my day better. She was a ray of sunlight, warming and brightening the day, no matter what season it was. She will be truly missed by all that knew her. Everytime I see a fox, a bunny, or a deer in the woods I will think of her. My condolences go out to all that knew her family and friends.
That is such a beautiful way to remember Bani.
Bani was such a sweet and delightful human being. We only knew each other a bit online, through a group and also as FB friends. I’m heartbroken to see this. May she forever Rest In Paradise. My sincere condolences to all her family and friends. ❤
Bani was a true angel, even though we haven’t met in person she always made me smile. She was truly a gift to anyone who came into her life. I remember all the great talks you had about our shared interest of classic rock and art. Even made a special birthday message just for me. You’ll be missed my beautiful friend. I love you.
Bani was an endless source of inspiration, compassion and encouragement, a generous spirit and a wonderful friend who I will remember with great fondness ❤
I only knew her on Facebook but she was definitely a sweet and beautiful kind and talented young woman to her family and friends I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers rest in peace bani
Such a wonderful woman!! I can only imagine the depth of loss for family and friends.. Through our thoughts and memories she will continue to shine!!!
I didn’t really know her, but I am shocked nevertheless. Gone too soon. I am sorry for everyone’s pain.
Bani was a very unique and very talented spirit. Beautiful inside and out! You will always be in the hearts and thoughts of Class of ‘93!!
Bani was truly one of the most genuinely sincere people I have or will ever meet…..one of a kind…..her light will surely be missed!!
Bani got my sense of humor. We joked with each other . After reading something humorous that she’d written, I wrote her that I thought I might be falling a little bit in love with her. I am sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful person.
Oh my goodness, what a shock. I just can’t believe she is gone. What terrible news. I’m so extremely sorry for y’all’s loss. Bani and I graduated together with art degrees, we shared a lot of time in Art Club and various classes and outside interests. The only time I have been back to Iowa (I’m currently in Texas) she was one of the first people I stopped to see. I own one of her paintings, it proudly hangs in my dining room. I always enjoyed seeing her art and posts on Facebook even though we didn’t talk a lot I still considered her a good friend. She always lit up the room. I’m so sorry I won’t be able to attend her memorial service. My heart is breaking for James and her family, especially her sister as I know they were very close. I will keep y’all in my thoughts. Sending lots of love from Texas. 💔💔💔😭
Thank you, Sarah! That’s so beautiful to know!
Sorry to hear. Such a beautiful soul.
I am so sorry. I was in a group with her. I loved her so much. My thoughts and prayers to all her family. My heart is broken.
R.I.P
She always brightened up Townsend’s hats. I’ll miss her as well.
Goodbye Sunshine, I’ll miss your heart here.
Bani Li was such a positive, exuberant, immensely talented and kind person. She meant a lot to Jim’s Red Pants and we are shocked and deeply saddened. We will miss her greatly and send our sincerest sympathy to those she left behind. Peace eternal, Bani. Rick & Hillary Wagner
Thanks to you and Hillary, Bani loved your music!
So very sorry to hear this terrible news. Bani was a delightful presence. We will miss hearing from her. Rick and Hillary (Jim’s Red Pants)
Thanks so much to you and Rick! Bani loved your music!
I heard the sad news today in the Nutmeg Tavern. My prayers for and sympathies to her family and friends. She will be missed and remembered by many, even those of us who never met her in person.
Bani and I were just beginning our friendship last year. She and I related quite a lot to one another because we are both very optimistic artists. In our conversations, we found we had more and more in common, which I found extremely satisfying. We were going to going to share a special art exchange, where we were going to swap a portrait of one another. I was *literally* about to create her’s, when I heard the news. I am devastated. I don’t just want her to ‘rest in peace’, but rather, I want her to find extreme joy, happiness and unparalleled fun in the after life. I want her to find everything she ever wanted, and to do everything she ever dreamed. My portrait will be the best darn portrait I have ever, ever made. Bani, I am so sorry we didn’t get to make our swap. But I know you will see it, somehow and it will make you smile. I light this virtual red candle, in honor of your pretty, red hair. <3
Thank you for the beautifulstory she was my daughter and the hole in our hearts will never go away’ .
That’s beautiful, thank you so much!
You will shine on in our memories.
I only knew Bani Le through facebook and a mutual admiration of Ja.s Townsend and his videos. But she was definitely a shining star in a sky of murky clouds. She will be missed.
Dear James. We are so sorry for your loss! From all that I’ve read Banni was a lovely person with so much to offer the world with her talents and personality. You and her family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love always Uncle Dick and Aunt Nancy
She was always active on the Townsends livestreams and helpful in answering question or just talking to anyone and everyone. A lot of fun to have around in that situation, she often said hi to me and other regulars when we entered the chat.
Denise and Keith and Grace, my heart goes out to you. Your sweet Bani was a special person and I cannot imagine what you’re going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You know I’d be there if I could. May God be with you. Lots of Love, cousin Jayne
I recently met Bani online through shared interests in history. Her joy and excitement was contagious. Outside of being kind and welcoming to everyone who crossed her path, she was also encouraging of any creative endeavors. She has inspired me to live by her example. Rest easy, Bani. I can’t wait to meet you at the tavern on the other side.
Bani was receptionist extraordinaire at Century 21 in Iowa City a number of years ago when I worked there. She was always pleasant and helpful and a friend to all of us sales people. Sorry to hear she is gone.
Bani has been there for as long as I can remember. She was my very first friend and we’ve always held on to that, even though we haven’t spent much time together as adults, we still connected from time to time. She had an amazing personally and her love and energy were tangible in everything she did. I find it unbelievable that she’s gone and my heart hurts for her family and James. I hope you can all find peace in each other and those close to you.
She always seemed to be one of the most kind and selfless person I have ever met, god couldn’t have made a better person that her, I could only wish to be as wonderful as I remember her.
I’m watching the replay of the Townsends livestream, because I’m very seldom free when it’s live. I always looked for comments from “Lil bunny sunshine” because of the wealth of information she offered. The chat seems so empty without her helpful input. I’m no stranger to historic studies and reenacting, and I have great respect for her knowledge of history and culture. Our community has lost a treasured member, but it’s only a shadow of the loss to her loved ones. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Bani was one of my students at Cornell College and continued to bring joy to my life anytime I saw her in Iowa City. The world seems so much darker now.
My thoughts and prayers are with Bani and her friends and family. I knew her through Townsends and only for a short while. Rest easy, little bunny sunshine.
My condolences to Bani’s family. May God’s loving arms comfort you in this difficult time. I only knew Bani through Townsends live feed but she seemed like a good person.
Bani was warm and accommodating to everyone who came into contact with her. She was a wealth of knowledge, and eager to share it. I had several interactions with her online. She is already missed in the Nutmeg Tavern. The talk at Townsends today was that we lost a friend, and will miss our weekly visits.
Bani was such an incredible person, I am sending so much love to all.
Dear Family and Friends of Bani, I was Bani’s roommate at Cornell in Bowman Hall. We lost touch the past few years . I am so lost and confused about the sad turn of events. I still think of some of the conversations we had and her sweet spirit will always be an encouragement to me. Rooming with her was one of my favorite parts of being at Cornell. Caroline Brock
James, Your tribute to Bani was truly amazing. We wish we had got to know her and loved her half as much as you did. Our hearts are feeling your loss. Please continue to share the special memories and moments you had together to help you through these tough days ahead. May you always feel her love around you. Sincerely, Rita
Grace and Denise and Keith, Bani was always thoughtful and witty when I ran into her on the bus. She was wonderful to visit her in her store, to get to see her and her store. She had such an eye in her curation. When Grace and I were in high school, when I met her, I remember feeling like I was getting to see what a cool adult was like! She was so nice to extend some of her vast art knowledge and creativity, and her advice on women’s studies courses. To see has been to admire, Grace, your closeness with Bani as sisters, grown, as close friends. I feel for you all; my heart is heavy at loss so sudden of such a lovely, strongly unique person. but I will remember with you the happiness she brought, her funny and insightful takes, and celebrate her artistry.
Bani was truly the most joyful person I have ever had the honor to meet and call my friend. No matter if it had been a mere hour or an entire year since she saw you last, the,, and there’s no other word for it, glee in her greeting was palpable. She made you feel like seeing you was the best thing that had happened to her that day. and that you were in the presence of someone who really appreciated your place in her life. We should all take a page from her book in our daily dealings with the people in our lives. The world has lost a treasure and we are all poorer for her absence.
Rest in Peace Bani, although we never met in person you will be missed and the Townsends Live Stream Chat will never be the same with out you. katanatac/Julian Regulators/John Drake
I will miss Bani Le terribly as a friend among friends. She was an incredible human being…I look forward to sharing memories of her today.
I send deep compassion, love…care. May Angels of Healing wrap their loving wings of care to Bani’s family and all close in their heart to this beautiful lady… I hear Bani’s memorable ‘giggle’…an extraordinary & beautiful person…I am so sorry to know of this sad tragedy. With care & healing light to your hearts, Jane F. Bourgeois
Though we never met in person, Bani was the friend everyone should have. You always knew she meant what she said. She was the kindest and sweetest person with a host of talents, ideas and above all, Love. Love. Love. My heart is heavy though I know she has been made perfect in Gods Love.
Sending love, hugs, and prayers to her family and close friends. I always looked forward to her comments in the Live-streams at Townsends, and will miss her kindness and humor. Lalzie
My love to Keith, Denise and Grace, my thoughts are with you. Bani was simply delight punctuated with a beautiful sense of kindness, sharp wit…and that indescribable giggle. She will be missed by so many. I am so sorry. Marla aka Corbin
To Bani’s partner and all who loved her: All of us at TeePublic are sending you lots of love and support during this time. She was a kind person and an incredible artist, and will be greatly missed from our artist community.
I wish I’d seen the twitter post last year… I had some great conversations with her on twitter and I knew how much she loved music. We chatted a lot about her love of certain artists and bands. Since we moved the KOKZ studios to Hiawatha last year, I’d invited her to come for a visit and tour. She thought that would be fun and I’m sure she would have dug seeing behind the scenes. My thoughts to her family, friends and love. My sympathy to you all. I am so very sorry.
I was a twitter friend we chatted pm a few times n we shared a love for baking n sunshine…she was very creative n inspiring…plz feel free to contact me if u wish im sorry i just now saw this…hugz n homemade cookies…
I am floored to have recently found such a talented artist on FineArtAmerica, then only to learn of her passing. I will honor her talent, life, and spirit by purchasing some of her art. ~ Frank Biganski
I just learned of her passing. I bought a few of her framed prints . A truly talented and genuinely kind soul. My condolences
I haven’t kept in touch with Bani but knew her since 2000. I was excited to show Bani my mom’s copy of a Mark Rothko painting she painted for my birthday—the only person in the world I know who would’ve appreciated it (let alone know who Mark Rothko was). What a punch in the gut. I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t believe she’s gone.