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Linda Hermine Rudzitis

06/24/1926
10/20/2022

Linda Hermine Rudzitis (Laucis) was born to Otto Laucis and Helena Liepkajs on June 24, 1926, in Riga Latvia and died October 20, 2022, in Grand Rapids MI. She was raised by her aunts and stepmother after losing her mother at the age of 5. Due to the subsequent upheavals of WWII, Linda was forever separated from her father and beloved Latvia, taking her to Germany where by divine fate she met the love of her life, Gunars Rudzitis. After several years in a displaced persons camp, largely filled with fellow Latvians, she continued her journey and immigrated to Greenville, MI in 1949. After a long-distance courtship, she married Gunars on March 1,1952 and they built a long life in East Grand Rapids for their family. Linda was a very good mother to her 3 daughters, a role she was meant for and one she cherished until her last moment. She will be remembered for her love, kind spirit, sending cards and well-known red hat.

Linda was pre-deceased by her husband, Gunars; siblings Austra Purins, Rudolfs Laucis, and grandson Oliver Molenaar.

She leaves behind daughters and sons-in-law, Inga & David Kuczera, Rita & Peter Lazdins, Astrida & Bill Molenaar; grandchildren, Mara & Markus Lidacis, Ilze Lazdins & Cameron Mitchell, Kristin Kuczera, Elise Kuczera, Peter Kuczera, Aleksandrs & Lindsay (Timmerman) Molenaar, Erik Molenaar; great-grandchildren, Henrijs, Julians & Mariks Lidacis; nieces, Anita Mednis, Mara Knuble; and many great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 12pm – 1pm Friday, October 28, 2022, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with funeral service following at 1pm. Aija Graham officiating. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery.

In memory of Linda, charitable contributions may be made to Latvian Center Garezers, 57732 Lone Tree Rd, Three Rivers MI 49093 or Veterans of Foreign Wars (vfw.org)

We thank the staff at The Oaks of Byron Center and Kindred Hospice for their compassionate care of our mother.

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4 Responses

  1. What an amazing story of perseverance and love which led to a wonderful life full of family and friends. She was blessed as were the people around her. May she be reunited with her husband and others who went before her and may they all be happy together forever. I am sure she will be missed, but she will surround those still here with her loving spirit. She will remain in hearts and memories forever. RIP.

  2. So sorry for your loss, her love will shine forever in those who knew her. Sending prayers to you and your family.

  3. Linda was amazing and I feel blessed knowing her. We met on my morning walks and became friends. Through our chats I learned a bit of her life. She loved telling her family stories and showing her photo books. We learned that we both worked at Steelcase. Linda’s spirit shined when she talked about her daughters and their families. Family was very important to Linda. My condolences to the family. Peace and Comfort dear friend.

  4. Dearest Linda,
    The kindest, sweetest soul I met in the Latvian community. She always shared her lovely smile and a giggle with you. I will always remember Linda with a warm heart that blessed anyone she met. Thankful to have met and befriended her.
    May her good soul spread light and joy forever.

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