Dubuque Telegraph Herald - January 7, 2012
GALENA, Ill. -- Elmars Berzins, 88, of Galena, passed away at 2:35 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, at the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community.
Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.
He was born on Nov. 15, 1923, in Lubana, Latvia, son of Marcis and Olga (Kirsons) Berzins. His challenges came early in life when, at the age of 5, he fell from a loaded hay wagon and was run over. He suffered a broken back and spent the next five years away from his family recovering with physical therapy to regain his strength and ability to walk. In 1945, he with his father and brother, having fought with the Latvian Freedom Fighters against the Russian occupation army and being in grave danger if captured, fled Latvia on the last train west, barely escaping the advancing Soviet Army.
Elmars' story of survival and immigration to America is one to admire. He was born during the first period of freedom for Latvia, but soon the rise of Communist and Nazi opposing forces placed his family, and millions of others, on a path of harrowing uncertainty, escape and survival.
During World War II, when the Eastern Front collapsed and the Red Army advanced to occupy the Baltic states, his family escaped to Germany, where they eventually landed in the designated British zone. There Elmars took advantage of training opportunities and studied mechanics. He also served as editor of an immigrant newsletter.
The family endured sparse resources in numerous displaced persons camps until 1951, when Elmars and his father Marcis immigrated to the United States. Supported by the Lutheran World Action group, they found a generous sponsor in Harold Reusch and lived on his Derinda farm before moving to Galena. Elmars and his father became naturalized citizens of the United States in 1957. As a refugee and an immigrant to America, Elmars believed in and lived the American Dream -- that success comes through hard work and struggle. Elmars worked for Jack Schwarz's company in Elizabeth, and later for the Chrysler dealership on Main Street, Galena.
He married Beatrice Brodrecht, who was the love of his life, on June 5, 1954, in Galena. Within a few years, he operated the Auto Service Centre on Main Street, Galena, where he serviced automobiles for 65 years. Countless motorists are grateful to Elmars for saving them from motor mishaps more than once. He also ran an Illinois State auto inspection service and repaired Galena's popular red trolley cars. Elmars will be remembered at the Auto Service Centre, which remains in operation under James Berzins and Dave Jerry (who worked with Elmars since 1974).
Elmars was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Galena. His hobbies included photography, autumn apple festivals and sports. He particularly loved to bowl, and was active in several bowling leagues, most recently playing with, and sponsoring, the Tuesday-Night Team at Cherry Lanes in Dubuque. In 2009, he bowled at the Iowa State Championship, and was videotaped leaping for joy at making several strikes in a row. That year, 16 teams at Cherry Lanes honored Elmars with the Bowling Sportsmanship Award of the Year. When he stopped bowling, Elmars was invited to join the team for his motivational skills and good-luck attitude. Elmars was well-liked by everyone; he was a good man with a big heart.
All who knew him experienced the gifts of his kind spirit. Friends have called him one-of-a-kind: "a most lovable person" and "an icon of Galena." Generations within families grew to know him and experience Elmars' expert mechanical skills, his generosity and his gentle spirit. His sons are comforted by their memories of Elmars' selfless love and support.
Surviving are two sons, William (Pauline), of Antioch, Tenn., and James, of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Lindsey (James) Calcote and Taylor Berzins, both of Tennessee; a great-grandchild, Jenna; nephews, Aivars (Jacqueline) Berzins, and their two children and three grandchildren, of Carlsbad, Calif., and Bob (Angela) Brodrecht, and their two children, of Jamison, Pa.; nieces, Inese (Joe Guzman) Cederbaums, of Pearl River, N.Y., Mirdza Erika Berzins, of Dubuque, Larisa Cederbaums (Fernando and Aleks), of Spring Valley, N.Y., Cathy (Tom) Nelson, and their three children, of Galena, and Donna (Jim) Leonard, of Rockford.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice; his father, Marcis Berzins; his brother, Talivaldis "Tali" Berzins, and his wife, Erna; his sisters-in-law, Elsie and Verna Brodrecht; and his brother-in-law, Bob Brodrecht.
GALENA, Ill. -- Elmars Berzins, 88, of Galena, passed away at 2:35 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, at the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community.
Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.
He was born on Nov. 15, 1923, in Lubana, Latvia, son of Marcis and Olga (Kirsons) Berzins. His challenges came early in life when, at the age of 5, he fell from a loaded hay wagon and was run over. He suffered a broken back and spent the next five years away from his family recovering with physical therapy to regain his strength and ability to walk. In 1945, he with his father and brother, having fought with the Latvian Freedom Fighters against the Russian occupation army and being in grave danger if captured, fled Latvia on the last train west, barely escaping the advancing Soviet Army.
Elmars' story of survival and immigration to America is one to admire. He was born during the first period of freedom for Latvia, but soon the rise of Communist and Nazi opposing forces placed his family, and millions of others, on a path of harrowing uncertainty, escape and survival.
During World War II, when the Eastern Front collapsed and the Red Army advanced to occupy the Baltic states, his family escaped to Germany, where they eventually landed in the designated British zone. There Elmars took advantage of training opportunities and studied mechanics. He also served as editor of an immigrant newsletter.
The family endured sparse resources in numerous displaced persons camps until 1951, when Elmars and his father Marcis immigrated to the United States. Supported by the Lutheran World Action group, they found a generous sponsor in Harold Reusch and lived on his Derinda farm before moving to Galena. Elmars and his father became naturalized citizens of the United States in 1957. As a refugee and an immigrant to America, Elmars believed in and lived the American Dream -- that success comes through hard work and struggle. Elmars worked for Jack Schwarz's company in Elizabeth, and later for the Chrysler dealership on Main Street, Galena.
He married Beatrice Brodrecht, who was the love of his life, on June 5, 1954, in Galena. Within a few years, he operated the Auto Service Centre on Main Street, Galena, where he serviced automobiles for 65 years. Countless motorists are grateful to Elmars for saving them from motor mishaps more than once. He also ran an Illinois State auto inspection service and repaired Galena's popular red trolley cars. Elmars will be remembered at the Auto Service Centre, which remains in operation under James Berzins and Dave Jerry (who worked with Elmars since 1974).
Elmars was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Galena. His hobbies included photography, autumn apple festivals and sports. He particularly loved to bowl, and was active in several bowling leagues, most recently playing with, and sponsoring, the Tuesday-Night Team at Cherry Lanes in Dubuque. In 2009, he bowled at the Iowa State Championship, and was videotaped leaping for joy at making several strikes in a row. That year, 16 teams at Cherry Lanes honored Elmars with the Bowling Sportsmanship Award of the Year. When he stopped bowling, Elmars was invited to join the team for his motivational skills and good-luck attitude. Elmars was well-liked by everyone; he was a good man with a big heart.
All who knew him experienced the gifts of his kind spirit. Friends have called him one-of-a-kind: "a most lovable person" and "an icon of Galena." Generations within families grew to know him and experience Elmars' expert mechanical skills, his generosity and his gentle spirit. His sons are comforted by their memories of Elmars' selfless love and support.
Surviving are two sons, William (Pauline), of Antioch, Tenn., and James, of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Lindsey (James) Calcote and Taylor Berzins, both of Tennessee; a great-grandchild, Jenna; nephews, Aivars (Jacqueline) Berzins, and their two children and three grandchildren, of Carlsbad, Calif., and Bob (Angela) Brodrecht, and their two children, of Jamison, Pa.; nieces, Inese (Joe Guzman) Cederbaums, of Pearl River, N.Y., Mirdza Erika Berzins, of Dubuque, Larisa Cederbaums (Fernando and Aleks), of Spring Valley, N.Y., Cathy (Tom) Nelson, and their three children, of Galena, and Donna (Jim) Leonard, of Rockford.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice; his father, Marcis Berzins; his brother, Talivaldis "Tali" Berzins, and his wife, Erna; his sisters-in-law, Elsie and Verna Brodrecht; and his brother-in-law, Bob Brodrecht.
Dubuque Telegraph Herald - January 7, 2012
GALENA, Ill. -- Elmars Berzins, 88, of Galena, passed away at 2:35 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, at the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community.
Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.
He was born on Nov. 15, 1923, in Lubana, Latvia, son of Marcis and Olga (Kirsons) Berzins. His challenges came early in life when, at the age of 5, he fell from a loaded hay wagon and was run over. He suffered a broken back and spent the next five years away from his family recovering with physical therapy to regain his strength and ability to walk. In 1945, he with his father and brother, having fought with the Latvian Freedom Fighters against the Russian occupation army and being in grave danger if captured, fled Latvia on the last train west, barely escaping the advancing Soviet Army.
Elmars' story of survival and immigration to America is one to admire. He was born during the first period of freedom for Latvia, but soon the rise of Communist and Nazi opposing forces placed his family, and millions of others, on a path of harrowing uncertainty, escape and survival.
During World War II, when the Eastern Front collapsed and the Red Army advanced to occupy the Baltic states, his family escaped to Germany, where they eventually landed in the designated British zone. There Elmars took advantage of training opportunities and studied mechanics. He also served as editor of an immigrant newsletter.
The family endured sparse resources in numerous displaced persons camps until 1951, when Elmars and his father Marcis immigrated to the United States. Supported by the Lutheran World Action group, they found a generous sponsor in Harold Reusch and lived on his Derinda farm before moving to Galena. Elmars and his father became naturalized citizens of the United States in 1957. As a refugee and an immigrant to America, Elmars believed in and lived the American Dream -- that success comes through hard work and struggle. Elmars worked for Jack Schwarz's company in Elizabeth, and later for the Chrysler dealership on Main Street, Galena.
He married Beatrice Brodrecht, who was the love of his life, on June 5, 1954, in Galena. Within a few years, he operated the Auto Service Centre on Main Street, Galena, where he serviced automobiles for 65 years. Countless motorists are grateful to Elmars for saving them from motor mishaps more than once. He also ran an Illinois State auto inspection service and repaired Galena's popular red trolley cars. Elmars will be remembered at the Auto Service Centre, which remains in operation under James Berzins and Dave Jerry (who worked with Elmars since 1974).
Elmars was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Galena. His hobbies included photography, autumn apple festivals and sports. He particularly loved to bowl, and was active in several bowling leagues, most recently playing with, and sponsoring, the Tuesday-Night Team at Cherry Lanes in Dubuque. In 2009, he bowled at the Iowa State Championship, and was videotaped leaping for joy at making several strikes in a row. That year, 16 teams at Cherry Lanes honored Elmars with the Bowling Sportsmanship Award of the Year. When he stopped bowling, Elmars was invited to join the team for his motivational skills and good-luck attitude. Elmars was well-liked by everyone; he was a good man with a big heart.
All who knew him experienced the gifts of his kind spirit. Friends have called him one-of-a-kind: "a most lovable person" and "an icon of Galena." Generations within families grew to know him and experience Elmars' expert mechanical skills, his generosity and his gentle spirit. His sons are comforted by their memories of Elmars' selfless love and support.
Surviving are two sons, William (Pauline), of Antioch, Tenn., and James, of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Lindsey (James) Calcote and Taylor Berzins, both of Tennessee; a great-grandchild, Jenna; nephews, Aivars (Jacqueline) Berzins, and their two children and three grandchildren, of Carlsbad, Calif., and Bob (Angela) Brodrecht, and their two children, of Jamison, Pa.; nieces, Inese (Joe Guzman) Cederbaums, of Pearl River, N.Y., Mirdza Erika Berzins, of Dubuque, Larisa Cederbaums (Fernando and Aleks), of Spring Valley, N.Y., Cathy (Tom) Nelson, and their three children, of Galena, and Donna (Jim) Leonard, of Rockford.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice; his father, Marcis Berzins; his brother, Talivaldis "Tali" Berzins, and his wife, Erna; his sisters-in-law, Elsie and Verna Brodrecht; and his brother-in-law, Bob Brodrecht.
GALENA, Ill. -- Elmars Berzins, 88, of Galena, passed away at 2:35 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, at the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community.
Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.
He was born on Nov. 15, 1923, in Lubana, Latvia, son of Marcis and Olga (Kirsons) Berzins. His challenges came early in life when, at the age of 5, he fell from a loaded hay wagon and was run over. He suffered a broken back and spent the next five years away from his family recovering with physical therapy to regain his strength and ability to walk. In 1945, he with his father and brother, having fought with the Latvian Freedom Fighters against the Russian occupation army and being in grave danger if captured, fled Latvia on the last train west, barely escaping the advancing Soviet Army.
Elmars' story of survival and immigration to America is one to admire. He was born during the first period of freedom for Latvia, but soon the rise of Communist and Nazi opposing forces placed his family, and millions of others, on a path of harrowing uncertainty, escape and survival.
During World War II, when the Eastern Front collapsed and the Red Army advanced to occupy the Baltic states, his family escaped to Germany, where they eventually landed in the designated British zone. There Elmars took advantage of training opportunities and studied mechanics. He also served as editor of an immigrant newsletter.
The family endured sparse resources in numerous displaced persons camps until 1951, when Elmars and his father Marcis immigrated to the United States. Supported by the Lutheran World Action group, they found a generous sponsor in Harold Reusch and lived on his Derinda farm before moving to Galena. Elmars and his father became naturalized citizens of the United States in 1957. As a refugee and an immigrant to America, Elmars believed in and lived the American Dream -- that success comes through hard work and struggle. Elmars worked for Jack Schwarz's company in Elizabeth, and later for the Chrysler dealership on Main Street, Galena.
He married Beatrice Brodrecht, who was the love of his life, on June 5, 1954, in Galena. Within a few years, he operated the Auto Service Centre on Main Street, Galena, where he serviced automobiles for 65 years. Countless motorists are grateful to Elmars for saving them from motor mishaps more than once. He also ran an Illinois State auto inspection service and repaired Galena's popular red trolley cars. Elmars will be remembered at the Auto Service Centre, which remains in operation under James Berzins and Dave Jerry (who worked with Elmars since 1974).
Elmars was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Galena. His hobbies included photography, autumn apple festivals and sports. He particularly loved to bowl, and was active in several bowling leagues, most recently playing with, and sponsoring, the Tuesday-Night Team at Cherry Lanes in Dubuque. In 2009, he bowled at the Iowa State Championship, and was videotaped leaping for joy at making several strikes in a row. That year, 16 teams at Cherry Lanes honored Elmars with the Bowling Sportsmanship Award of the Year. When he stopped bowling, Elmars was invited to join the team for his motivational skills and good-luck attitude. Elmars was well-liked by everyone; he was a good man with a big heart.
All who knew him experienced the gifts of his kind spirit. Friends have called him one-of-a-kind: "a most lovable person" and "an icon of Galena." Generations within families grew to know him and experience Elmars' expert mechanical skills, his generosity and his gentle spirit. His sons are comforted by their memories of Elmars' selfless love and support.
Surviving are two sons, William (Pauline), of Antioch, Tenn., and James, of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Lindsey (James) Calcote and Taylor Berzins, both of Tennessee; a great-grandchild, Jenna; nephews, Aivars (Jacqueline) Berzins, and their two children and three grandchildren, of Carlsbad, Calif., and Bob (Angela) Brodrecht, and their two children, of Jamison, Pa.; nieces, Inese (Joe Guzman) Cederbaums, of Pearl River, N.Y., Mirdza Erika Berzins, of Dubuque, Larisa Cederbaums (Fernando and Aleks), of Spring Valley, N.Y., Cathy (Tom) Nelson, and their three children, of Galena, and Donna (Jim) Leonard, of Rockford.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice; his father, Marcis Berzins; his brother, Talivaldis "Tali" Berzins, and his wife, Erna; his sisters-in-law, Elsie and Verna Brodrecht; and his brother-in-law, Bob Brodrecht.
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