Arvids Bolsteins

Died Friday morning February 24, 2006 at his residence. Arvids was born September 13, 1919 in Jelgava, Latvia a son of Ansis and Dora (Sauka) Bolsteins. He had been a Kalamazoo area resident the past year, coming from Milwaukee, WI where he lived for 52 years. He was employed in real estate sales and management for 50 years. He was a member of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo; life member of the American Latvian Association holding various active positions over more than 50 years. Life member of the Latvian Center Garezers and director and teacher for its summer high school for over 20 years. He was also a member of the Latvian Welfare Association "Daugavas Vanagi" of Milwaukee; Latvian Press Society being an active journalist since high school; Kalamazoo Latvian Association; and active lifetime member of fraternity Beveronija. He was a dedicated patriot of Latvia, never giving up Latvian citizenship and working for its freedom. He inspired Latvian youth to remember their roots by his teachings. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Leontine Bolsteins in 1959; a brother, Zanis Bolsteins; and a sister, Elza Grasis. On August 22, 1970, he was united in marriage to Vilma (Ritums) Bolsteins who survives. Also surviving, 4 children, Ieva Broks of Boston, MA, Janis (Ieva) Bolsteins of Damascus, MD, Daina Bolsteins of Bethesda, MD, and Anda Bolsteins of Royal Oak, MI; 3 grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held 7 o'clock Thursday at the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo, 122 Cherry Hill St. There will be no visitation. Private burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Latvian Center Garezers - G.V.V. or the American Latvian Association Children's Fund. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St.