WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Gundars Strautnieks, age 93, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026 at Centrica Rose Arbor Place.
He was born Sept. 28, 1932 in Rauna, Latvia, the son of Edgars and Irma (Smukulis) Strautnieks. Moved from Rauna to Penkule, Latvia where he finished 5th grade before being displaced by the war and spending the next 6 years in various refugee camps in Germany. Came to the US with his family in 1950. Worked in Mississippi for one year until rejoining the rest of his family in Saginaw, Michigan. Gundars then served in the Army from 1954 until 1956.
Gundars graduated from Michigan State University with his bachelor’s and masters degree in education. Gundars started his work in schools as a PE teacher in Sandwich, Illinois, but moved through different jobs and titles until he retired as a principal at Douglas MacArthur High School in Saginaw Township.
On August 20th in 1960, he married Astrida Kalins. While raising 4 children together they found the time to spend time in various Latvian organizations and functions, especially Garezers here in Three Rivers. Then after a few years of well-earned retirement Gundars helped raise his daughter’s two sons.
Gundars stayed active with the Latvian Center Garezers in Three Rivers and the Kalamazoo Latvian Church. He also was a member of the Three Rivers Lions Club.
Gundars was an avid athlete throughout his life who participated in many different tournaments from racket ball to volleyball, but later on became a regular at the local gym, HealthTRAC. He also found the time to be an active member of many different Latvian organizations after retiring. From his student organization Konkordija Valdemarija since his days at Michigan State, to Daugavas Vanagi, ALA, Garezers, and others as well.
Gundars liked working with people, but he was strong-willed and competitive. His Latvian heritage came first, but he always found time for the people and things he loved.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Astrida; sons, Andris, Eriks, and Markus; grandchildren, Erika, Erik, Stefans, and Liene; great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Peyton, Ryder, Wesley, and Zoey; and sister, Breva.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Monika; grandson, Konrads; and sister, Daina.
His family will receive friends Friday, May 22, 2026 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home with Rev. Aija Graham officiating.
Donations in Gundars’ memory may be directed to the Kalamazoo Latvian Lutheran Church or Garezers. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
