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Elizabeth Lapainis
ELIZABETH LAPAINIS
Cedar Rapids
Elizabeth Lapainis, born Elizabeth Kremer. on Dec. 15, 1917, in Cesis, Latvia, died peacefully in her sleep on July 14, 2014, in Palm Desert, Calif.
She had studied piano at the Conservatory of Music in Riga, Latvia, during which time she met and married Robert Emil Lapainis, with whom she had one son, Egils. After some terrifying experiences during World War II, the family immigrated to the United States in 1948, settling initially in Grinnell, Iowa, and later relocating to Cedar Rapids.
Elizabeth became a prominent teacher of piano and had a large practice. She was active in both the Mozart and Beethoven Clubs and was also a member of the Iowa Music Teachers Association. She retired in 1980. A devoted member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, she sang in the choir for many years.
She is survived by her son, Egils of Palm Desert, Calif.; and two grandsons, Christian and wife Kimberly, and great-granddaughter, Poppy Marie, all of Lake Oswego, Ore.; and grandson, Theodore of Bellevue, Wash.
Also surviving is a brother, Woldemar Kremer of Passail, Austria.
Service to be held at St. Mark's Faith and Life Center, Marion, on Thursday, July 24. Visitation and viewing at St. Mark's
from 1 to 2 p.m., service thereafter.
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