Marija Gailans

Gailans, Marija
Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at the age of 91. Preceded in death by her parents, Soders Tukiss and Bronislava Tukiss and her husband Valentins Gailans. Survived by son Dr. Ivars Ellen Gailans of Mequon; grandsons Stefans of Ames, Iowa and Peteris Molly of Cedarburg and many relatives in Latvia.

Marija was born in Latvia, graduated from the
Rezeknes Teachers Institute and was a schoolteacher. She met and married Valentins in 1941. With the advance of the Soviets, the family fled to Germany and after five years in refugee camps, they immigrated to the U.S. in 1949. The family lived briefly in Iowa and South Dakota, and finally moved to Milwaukee, where she worked for the Square D Company until retirement in 1983.
Marija accompanied Valentins to Northern Wisconsin on fishing trips for over 40 years, but fished very little – looking forward to the nightly sheepshead games. In Milwaukee, she was active in the Latvian Community, participating in church events, theater productions and choirs.

Visitation Monday, June 14, 2010 at MILWAUKEE LATVIAN EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1835 N. 75th St. from 10:30 – 11:30am with a Funeral Service at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Latvian Church appreciated.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of the Elizabeth Residence for their patient and compassionate care.

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES
Klemmer-Scheuerell-Johnson-Reiss
Richard B. Lee Associate
414-321-7440