Irma Kurmis

Kurmis, Irma

of Minneapolis passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, after years of struggling with dementia. Preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Vilis Kurmis; and her sister, Mirdza Eglitis. Survived by sons, Maris (Dace) and Arnie (Katie); grandchildren, Brita (Carl), Aldis (Heidi), Emily and Lucas; and great-grandchildren, Vilis, Talis, Brynn and Bodhi. She will also be missed by the Alexander family of Ilga, Dave, Laura, Robert.

Irma was born June 23, 1927, in Jekabpils, Latvia. In 1944, WW II and impending Soviet occupation forced Irma's family to flee west where they eventually ended up in West Germany. Here she met the love of her life, Vilis, who had also fled Latvia. Irma started her studies in music and voice, quickly gaining an excellent reputation as a soprano. Vilis' job opportunities in forestry forced them to make the hard choice of emigration to the USA in 1960 where they ended up joining her parents and sister in Minneapolis. She continued her career in music, singing in front of audiences all over the world, including the Sydney Opera House.

Irma also brought countless hours of joy to her grandchildren, teaching them a love of nature, creating skits and cooking jams from self-picked berries. She was also active in the local Latvian community where she helped establish the Latvian Concert Association, sang in the Thursday Musical group and pursued her other artistic interests of painting and pottery at the Edina Art Center.

A celebration of life to be held Friday, February 6th at the Latvian Lutheran Church, 3152 17th Ave S, Minneapolis. Visitation at 10 AM, memorial service at 11 AM, with a 12 PM luncheon at the church. Private interment to follow. Memorials to family will be donated to Latvian musical endeavors.