Dzidra Dzelzkalns

Dzelzkalns, Dzidra (Nee Bernsons) Age 91, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, surrounded by family and friends. Born October 1, 1917, to Karlis and Anna Bernsons in a small Baltic seaside town near Riga, Latvia, Dzidra was the youngest of seven children. She and her husband, the late Roberts Dzelzkalns, were forced to flee their beloved war-torn homeland. Separated from Roberts, she traveled alone with infant son Martins and suitcase, surviving chaotic, dangerous war conditions of Europe to eventually reunite after the war. They lived for five years in a displaced persons camp in Germany. After finding sponsors, who guaranteed work and a place to live, they were able to immigrate to the United States in 1949. After a stormy two-week trip from Germany by transport ship, they arrived in New York, then by train to their destination - Cavour, Wisconsin by the beautiful Peshtigo River. With the clothes on their back and six dollars in their pockets, they began their new life. The family, together with Dzidra's sister Emma Libants, husband Arnolds and daughter, Mara, lived rustically as lumberjacks in an old abandoned isolated farmhouse with one cow, no electricity or running water. After one year, they all moved to Milwaukee and lived together on the Eastside. Dzidra and Roberts were the proud parents of two more sons, Janis and Raimonds. While Roberts was employed at Schlitz Brewery, Dzidra worked as a homemaker and part-time housekeeper. Education was their priority; they lived simply and saved every penny, putting their sons through college and two of them through medical school. The family enjoyed camping and exploring America's beautiful parks. They enjoyed walking, biking, and cross-country skiing in Lake Park, as well as being close to Lake Michigan. Dzidra excelled with her many domestic skills. Her family enjoyed and looked forward to her homemade Latvian food at countless holidays and family occasions. She knitted, crocheted and sewed, creating exquisitely tailored clothing for her family and grandchildren. The family's colorful flower and vegetable garden earned her an award from the City of Milwaukee. Dzidra's life revolved around her family, and her affection was extended to many neighbors and friends. Many were touched by her goodness, strength and wisdom. Dzidra Dzelzkalns is survived by her devoted sons and daughters-in-law Martin (Sally) of Hartland; Janis (Katy Sorenson) of Miami, Florida; and Ray (Lee Ann) of Whitefish Bay, and her adoring grandchildren Emma, Arnold, Justin, Amber and Ryan along with her special niece and dear friend, (who called Dzidra 'Krusttant'), Mara Libants Zeps (Aivars). She leaves many friends and relatives in the United States and Latvia. The family is deeply grateful to Biruta for her compassion and friendship in the final chapter of Dzidra's life, as well as others who have helped make her life easier and happier. Dzidra and Roberts will be interred in the old Latvian Cemetery (founded 1903) in Gleason, Wisconsin. A 'Celebration of Life' service, followed by a reception, will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 12:30 PM, at Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro, 3133 E. Newberry Blvd. Donations in her memory may be made to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (OMFA). Suminski Family Funeral Homes Suminski / Weiss (414) 276-5122