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Miervalds Malcenieks

August 17, 2022
Kalamazoo, MI

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Malcenieks , Miervalds "Mike" 10/27/1929 - 8/17/2022 Kalamazoo Miervalds Malcenieks age 92 passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2022. Known by many as, "Mike" he was born on October 27, 1929, in Viesite, Latvia to the parents of Janis and Ida (Paulina) Malcenieks. Their family fled their home and farm during World War II and were relocated to a displaced persons camp in Germany for several years before they were sponsored to be immigrated to the United States. Initially they were in Pennsylvania and eventually settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Miervalds married his wife Mara (Skuja) Malcenieks in 1979. To support his family, Miervalds worked very hard at Checker Cab and later Georgia Pacific where he retired after 40 years of service at the age of sixty-seven. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Erik and wife Mara. He raised his daughter Tia from age fourteen after Mara's death. He frequently shared memories of his travels to visit family in Toronto, of his childhood in Latvia and his family's struggles during the war. He had a great love for his cat Pupa. He was an active member of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo. In his final years of life he was lovingly cared for by many amazing new Latvian friends. His smile and laughter will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter, Tia Sandra (Malcenieks) Lutz, son-in-law Nathan Lutz; granddaughter, Mara Rose Lutz. A graveside ceremony to honor his life will be held on Wednesday August 24, 2022, beginning at 12:00 pm at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, with Rev. Aija Graham officiating. Memorials in his memory may be made to the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo or the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia in Riga, c/o the funeral home. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.