WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Mr. Ilmars Dumpis, age 88, of Three Rivers passed away Friday, Dec. 27, 2013 at Riverview Manor. He was born July 15, 1925 in Riga, Latvia to Roberts and Elizabete Dumpis. The family had two children, Ilmars and his sister Gaida. He started school in Riga, but soon his father was transferred to Melluzi, a small town by the Baltic Sea. He credits the salty waters of the sea for curing his almost paralyzed leg from polio, his case being one of the first in Latvia.
During the Second World War, Ilmars family fled to Germany and settled in Fischbach, a refugee Latvian camp. This proved to be one of the happiest periods of his life. The camp had organized a High School with limited supplies, but wonderful teachers. This is where Ilmars met his future wife Baiba, also a student there. His immigration to America separated them for a while, but they soon met again and were united in marriage on June 2, 1951.
Ilmars and Baiba settled in Chicago, where he became a Tool and Die Maker. Every free moment he spent taking his boys to sport activities, scouting, and volunteering in various Latvian community activities. Upon retiring, Ilmars and Baiba relocated to Three Rivers to be close with friends.
They built a home there and were very happy to be close to the Latvian Camp GAREZERS at Long Lake. Ilmars fell ill to a stroke and three years ago was placed in the loving care of Riverview Manor, whom the family wishes to thank for their loving care, especially nurse Kylee’s care during Ilmars final hours
Ilmars is survived by his wife of 63 years, Baiba Dumpis; one sister, Gaida (Gunars); sons, Peteris (Susan), Martins, and Andrejs Dumpis; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason), Kristina (Lee), Rebecca (Mark), Karlis and Eriks and two great grandchildren, Lily and Paul.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 at the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo. Reception to follow at the Latvian Community Center next to church.
Memorial contributions may be donated to the Latvian Center GAREZERS. Envelopes available at the Hohner Funeral Home in care of his arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.hohnerfh.com.
