Maris (Ozols) Kalnins, 75, passed away Oct. 19, 2012, at Geisinger Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Born June 29, 1937, in Jelgava, Latvia, he was the son of the late Laima Tetins (Ozols) Kalnins and Arnolds T. Ozolos and stepson of Arvids Kalnins.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Knipe) Mathews Kalnins; two sons, Lester (Angie) Kalnins, Leonard (Shawn) Kalnins; two daughters, Lori Fitch and Lyn Ames; stepdaughter, Lisa Repard (Don Bailey); stepson, Dennis (Chanarin) Mathews; stepgrandchildren, Matthew Holley, Cody Holley and Casey Holley; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Baiba (Ozols) Kalnins Kreger, Astrida Kalnins Warg, Sarmite Kalnins Judson; special nephews, James Kreger, Tim Kreger; and several nieces and nephews.
Maris attended Liberty High School and served in the U.S. Air Force as a staff Sgt. for 16 years.
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VETERAN
He served in Vietnam as a mechanic, pilot and nuclear technician.
Maris was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church, Liberty. He was a member of VFW Post 8730, Supreme Sacrifice, Blossburg, PA and VFW Post 6755, Robert F. Snyder, Liberty, Pa. He was a member of the Morris Rod and Gun Club.
He was also a lifetime member of the VA. He was an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster.
Maris was also a horticulturist and ran the family business, Kalnins Greenhouse, Liberty, Pa., after the loss of his stepfather.
He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman.
Friends will be received at Friedens Lutheran Church, Liberty, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, from 10 a.m. until noon. Funeral services will follow at noon with Rev. Carolyn Simonds officiating. Interment will take place Thursday at Bath National Cemetery, Bath, N.Y.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeberg Funeral Home, Blossburg.
