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1914 - 2007
 Edite Brigitia Magdalena Biezais age 93 of Greenville died Wednesday evening July 25, 2007 at Metron of Belding. She was born in Aluksne Latvia on January 17,1914 the daughter of Alexsandris and Eugenia Lutz Odinskis. She married Ernsts Biezais in Aluksne on July 3, 1937. During WW II her husband was conscripted into the German Army and she was confined with their daughter to a displaced persons camp in Germany. After his release as a prisoner of war in France he rejoined Edite and daughter and were sponsored by Oscar Rasmussen of Greenville MI in 1949 to come to the USA. She was educated in Latvia and furthered her education at Central Michigan University and was the physical education instructor for the elementary schools in Greenville for many years. After the fall of the Iron Curtain she and her husband and family were able to return to Latvia to re-establish family ties. She and her husband lived for over 50 years on Bower St. in Greenville until poor health required a care center.
She was a member of the Latvian Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, the Latvian Club and American Latvian Association.
Her husband preceded her in death on September 26, 2003. Her sisters Zigrida Vilks and Ingrida Svarcs also preceded her in death, as did her son-in-law David Roberts in February 2007.
Surviving is her daughter Ursula Carlson Roberts of Carson City, Nevada, her son
Sigurd and Sandra Biezais of Rockford, grandchildren, Severin Carlson of Reno NV, Nicole (Geoffrey) Deines of Ada, Nathan and Valerie Biezais of Greenville, great grandchildren, Cameron and Carson Deines, Mason, Karrigan and Lennox Biezais, her sister, Udite Brachmanis of Grand Rapids and nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Saturday from 2-5 PM at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville with a funeral service on Sunday at 2 PM at the funeral home. A graveside Latvian funeral ceremony will be held on Monday at 12 Noon in Woodlawn Cemetery, Grand Rapids with Rev. Eliza Goforth of the Latvian Lutheran Church officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to the church or Greenville Public Schools. |
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There are currently 11 condolences.
Kim and Doreen Akkerhuis
Thursday September 27, 2007 at
12:34 PM
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To the family of Mrs. Biezais; I so remember when I had Mrs. Biezais as a gym teacher. Oh how she made that class so much fun. We could use a few more teachers like her today. anyway, I was so sorry to hear of her passing. May God be with your family. Kim and Doreen Akkerhuis
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Barb & Kirk Perry
Tuesday August 7, 2007 at
7:00 AM
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We were privileged to work with Edite when she was a gym teacher and we were just out of college. She had such energy and concentration! Lots of good memories.
Love and Prayers to the family,
Barb Perry
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Gloria Trumpower
Saturday August 4, 2007 at
10:36 AM
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Valerie, so sorry to hear of Nate's grandmas passing.
I'm thinking of you.
Gloria
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Nancy Briggs Master
Monday July 30, 2007 at
10:48 AM
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Dear Ursula, I am sorry to hear about your mother's passing. What a wonderful lady she was! She led a remarkable and adventuresome life. So lad I had the opportunity to have known her and your father. They made this country great! You are in my prayers. I can still see your mom and dad walking briskly down the street way into old age. Such energy and brightness characterized them. Good memories of your home on Bower, too. She raised remarkable children and had her grandcildren as well. Best wishes from my family. God bless, Nancy
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charlene town
Monday July 30, 2007 at
9:11 AM
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I am so so sorry about Edithe passing. I loved her alot and hugged her every day. I remember how we used to walk in the courtyard and how she did her exercises every day. I will miss her very much. God bless her and your family. Charlene Town Activities aide at Metron
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Sally Ryan (Heaton)
Sunday July 29, 2007 at
8:39 PM
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Mrs. Biezais was the BEST gym teacher ever! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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Susan Wright-Miller
Sunday July 29, 2007 at
4:53 PM
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My deepest sympathy at the loss of your dear, sweet mother. I loved gym class at Baldwin Heights El. in the early 60s with Mrs. Biezais as my energetic teacher. I learned much more about her history by reading her obituary. We worked with Mike and Barb Hurst when we lost my dad last summer as well as my mother in 2000. I hope they were able to provide the excellent caring service we received from them. Blessings to your family, Susan
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Theresa Brace
Friday July 27, 2007 at
5:12 PM
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Mrs.Biezais was my gym teacher also in the early 70's. Over 30 years later I can still hear 'You must try harder,your body only thing you own in life'. So many times I would see her walking in the neighborhood. Regret now not stopping and saying thank you. For she and Mr.Blinn guided me to believe in me and all else will follow. God Bless this beautiful woman. Thank you Mrs.B you were amazing!
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Phyllis (Crankshaw) Moser
Friday July 27, 2007 at
3:36 PM
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I just want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Mrs. Biezais was the gym teacher at Churchill School when I attended there in the mid-sixties. I still remember her fondly, telling us girls to "run like the boys; pump your arms and fists!"
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Susan & Ron Feuerstein
Friday July 27, 2007 at
11:05 AM
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Sandi,Sig & Family,
So sorry to learn of the loss of Mrs. Biezais. She was a special lady! I know she will be greatly miss. Please know you are all in our prayers at this time & we are thinking of you all.
Love & Miss
Sue & Ron Feuerstein
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Blair Ostrander
Friday July 27, 2007 at
3:39 AM
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Condolences from the sons and daughter of Dr. Douglas and Velma Ostrander. We remember you and your family well along with Anna, who took care of us kids. Your history was full of many colorful stories.
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