WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Velta Berzkalns, age 89, of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, May 7, 2012 at the Kairos Dwelling Adult Foster Care Home in Kalamazoo. She was born in Riga, Latvia on June 29, 1922 the daughter of naval officer and tugboat captain Ludvigs and shopkeeper Melanija (Kreitals) Junkulis. Velta fled from Latvia during World War II and settled in Detroit, MI after a journey through war torn Europe
Velta has been a long time resident of Three Rivers moving here from Detroit in 1976. She was extremely active at the Latvian Center “Garezers” , the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo, the Latvian Boy Scout Association, the Three Rivers Women’s Club and the Red Cross Blood Drives.
Mrs. Berzkalns was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ansis Berzkalns, and two brothers, Arturs and “Rudolfs (Tedis) .
She leaves to cherish her loving memory, four sons, Peteris “Peter” Berzkalns and Anita Parent, of Tecumseh, MI., Mikelis “Mike” (Sharon) Berzkalns, of Napoleon, MI., Jekabs “Jake” (Renate) Berzkalns, of Byron Center, MI., and Pauls “Paul” (Ilga) Berzkalns, of Riga, Latvia. One daughter, Rita Lowery and Rod Carls, of Three Rivers; nine grandchildren, a great granddaughter and a host of friends and neighbors.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the Hohner Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, May 18, 2012 at the Hohner Funeral Home, with Rev. Biruta Puike officiating.
Interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Three Rivers.
A fellowship dinner will be hosted at the Latvian Center “Garezers” afterwards.
Memorials may be donated to the Charity of one’s Choice. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home; P.O. Box 1018; 1004 Arnold St; Three Rivers, MI 49093. Online condolences may be left at hohnerfh.com
