WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Aija Wagner, age 78, of Three Rivers, sadly passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020 at her home. She was born in Riga, Latvia, on December 31, 1941, the daughter of Leon and Velta (Jirgensons) Boze. Three years later, Leon and Velta were divorced. Velta married Alfreds Ozolins. At the age of 9, Aija came to America from war-torn Latvia with her parents, grandmother Minna “Omite” Jirgensons and baby brother John “Ozzy” Ozolins. As immigrants, they came through Ellis Island to start a new life in Cadillac, Michigan then moved to Kalamazoo, where Aija was raised, and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School.
She graduated from Cosmetology School, and was working as a beautician, when she met Michigan State Police trooper Robert Wagner. They married in 1966. Through the years, Robert and Aija owned several businesses, including Bob’s Bar in Walkerton, Indiana and later, Frankie’s Restaurant and Triple Creek Convenience Store, in Three Rivers. They did their share of traveling with trips to Arizona, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, and spent a few years of semi-retirement in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina.
Aija is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert; her son Rodney (Sherri) Wagner of Three Rivers; Grandchildren Evelyn “Evie” Aija Wagner, Gabrielle “Ella” Aija Wagner, and Darrell “Billy” Robert Wagner; her brother Maris (Jane) Boze and extended family in Victoria, Australia; her brother John “Ozzy” (Mara) Ozolins of Tonto Basin, Arizona; her sister Ange Jirgensons, and her brother Victor Ozolins, both of Three Rivers; several nieces, nephews, in-laws, special friends, and fur babies: Miss Kitty, Patches, Tinsel and Milo.
Aija was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Courtney Lynn Wagner and her brother Valdis “Bun” Ozolins.
Aija loved to read, kept up with her Soap Operas, and had a special talent for floral gardening and interior decorating. She was an exceptional cook and was famous for hosting parties and family gatherings. She loved to relax on the back deck, enjoying an awesome view of her lake home.
Aija was known as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, best aunt ever, and favorite sister. She always thought of others before herself and will be remembered for her caring heart and beautiful smile.
Per Aija’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Three Rivers.
Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be directed in Aija’s name to:
Heartland Hospice Care
8075 Creekside Dr.
Suite 120
Portage, MI 49024
