Janis (John) Berzins

John was born in Riga, Latvia on May 18, 1934, and died at home from pancreatic cancer on July 5, 2023. He emigrated to the United States with his family in 1949 after spending five years in Germany as a displaced person after the Russians invaded Latvia. He spent the first years in South Dakota and later moved to Minneapolis. He was drafted soon after and spent his service time in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he learned American ways from his Army buddies and studied to earn his citizenship. He spent his remaining years in the Minneapolis area where he was last employed as a Metro Transit bus driver for 23 years until his retirement. He was always a Latvian in his heart and he visited Latvia several times during his retirement.

He is survived by his life partner Ann Kontio, daughters Jori Berzins (Tom Broulette), Lori Berzins (Brian Dingley) and Lisa Klocek, brother Charles Berzins (Karen Buus), sister Dzidra Platbarzdis, special niece Ruth Larka, nephew Ed (Barb) Larka, seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents Theodore Berzins and Matilda Alste Berzins and sister Velta Larka. Graveside services will be held at a later date.

memorial service

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services