Alfred Kaupins

ALFRED EGONS KAUPINS

Cedar Rapids

Alfred Egons Kaupins, 88, died peacefully on Nov. 25, 2015, surrounded by friends and family. We rejoice that he no longer suffers in pain and is now singing with the angels in the arms of our Lord.

Alfred was born in Riga, Latvia, son of Reinholds Otto and Amalija Leonija Kaupins, and was baptized by Lutheran pastor, the Rev. Janis (John) Terins. Alfred knew he would be a pastor since the age of 6, as he and his parents attended St. Gertrude's Old Church in Riga. He attended grade school in Riga and high school in Limbazi, Latvia. Sadly, World War II events separated Alfred from his family and country, where he survived the Nazis and Soviets. He became a refugee in Austria and later Germany. He graduated from Latvian High School in Ebenveiler, Germany. He then continued his education, studying philosophy at Freiburg University in Germany. He was confirmed by Latvian Lutheran pastor, the Rev. Vilis Goba.

He married "the love of his life," Skaidrite Akots, on Dec. 31, 1949, in Biberach, Germany. In March 1950, he and his bride, along with her parents, Eriks and Anna Akots, immigrated to the United States, where they initially lived in La Grange, Texas, and then moved to San Antonio, Texas. While in San Antonio, in 1951, Alfred and Sky's first son, Andris (Andy), was born while Alfred attended San Antonio Junior College.

In order to be part of a Latvian society, Alfred and Sky moved in 1953 to Minneapolis. Alfred was active in the Latvian society by becoming president of Latvian Welfare Society "Daugavas Vanagi" and board member of Latvian Lutheran Publishing House. He graduated from Augsburg College, Minneapolis, in 1956 with a B.A. degree in philosophy and Greek. That same year, Alfred and Sky's second son, Gundars (Gundy), was born. In 1961, he graduated from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., with a B.D. degree in theology.

In June 1961, he was ordained pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. During his early ministry, he served at Peace Lutheran Church, Sioux Center, and Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Rock Valley, simultaneously. He later served at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Strawberry Point; St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Tama; and finally St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Marion, where he retired in 2007.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Edite Asmanis; and son, Andy.

He is survived by his wife, Sky; son, Gundy; daughter-in-law, Debby; and grandson, Kyle (16).

He loved his family and rejoiced in his 46 years of active ordained Christian ministry. He was an avid reader, and loved to share humorous stories with such a twinkle in his eyes. He took special time to meet those in spiritual and physical need. He was such an inspiration to people and touched the hearts of so many. His love of God and love of people was the "oxygen" of his life. He and Sky were one month shy of celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary.

He would love to be remembered by Apostle Paul's words, "I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 5:20).

Special thanks to all nurses and staff at West Ridge Care Center and St. Luke's Hospital, and especially to his dear friends from St. Mark's who cared for and loved him deeply.

In lieu of flowers, memorial funds may be donated to St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 8300 C Ave. NE, Marion. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9:30 to 11 a.m.