Aina Viksne

Age 87, passed away July 6, 2017 after a lengthy illness. Aina was born May 2, 1930 in Snikere, Latvia; the daughter of the late Edwards and Alvine (Lieknins) Vetra. She came to the United States in 1948 with her parents. They lived for a brief time in Mississippi, then moved to Detroit in 1949 where she met her future husband, Rev. Leons Viksne. They were married in 1951. Aina moved with her husband to Kalamazoo in 1992, where Rev. Viksne served as pastor of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother and was also an active member of the Women's Auxiliary at the Latvian Church. Aina is survived by her husband, Leons; son, Edgars (Suzanne) Viksne and grandchildren, Spencer and Rachel. Services will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church, 122 Cherry Hill St., Kalamazoo, MI 49006; beginning at 1:00 PM. Rev. Aija Graham will officiate. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reverence Home Health and Hospice or the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church, c/o the funeral home. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.