Arturs Grabeklis

Arturs K. Grabeklis, 98, of Sterling died Friday, March 16, 2018 at his home. Arturs was born July 27, 1919 in Daugavpils, Latvia the son of Juris and Eva Grabeklis. In his country he loved to hunt deer for food and loved to snow ski. He graduated from college in Riga, Latvia and then became a lieutenant in the Latvian Army. He escaped from the Russians and came to the United States in 1950 and became a proud American Citizen. He was employed at Parrish-Alford as a wire drawer for thirty-five years. On August 3, 1952 he married Joanne Stevens and they had three children. Art’s favorite things to do were bowling, golfing, and watching the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears on television. He loved his family and his very special friend, Frank. Survivors include his wife, Joanne of sixty-four years; one son, Lauris (Maureen); two daughters, Juli (Ron Rimrodt) Grabeklis and Sheri (Jay) Stewart and three grandchildren, Jordan, Justin and Maurae. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Willis, Jules and John Grabeklis. Memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday April 21, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sterling. A memorial has been established to the Sterling Firehouse of God Ministries. Arrangements were completed by Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation, Sterling. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.