Maiga Igenbergs

Maiga Igenbergs, 98, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2022, at Trinity Center at Luther Park in Des Moines, Iowa. Born in Lubana Parish, Latvia, she was the youngest of eight. Maiga was preceded in death by parents Karlis and Emilija Stulpins, five sisters (Anna, Marija, Elza, Lidija, Olga) two brothers (Janis and Martins) and husband of 41 years, Harijs Igenbergs. She is survived by niece Dr. Vija Bitmete (Elza) and nephew Dr. Martins Liepins (Marija) who reside in Latvia. Maiga has no surviving relatives in the United States.

At a young age, Maiga fled from her native country to escape the Communist Russian invasion during WWII. She ended up in Germany, where she married Harijs Igenbergs. The couple later immigrated to the United States and established a life and livelihood in South Dakota, Michigan, and Iowa. Maiga took great pride in her husband’s work as a supermarket wholesale maintenance engineer as well as his accomplishments with the USVBA (United States Volleyball Association) and the US Mens Olympic Volleyball program.

Maiga was no stranger to hardship, as she and her husband suffered through several health crises. Yet, despite the adversities, she seemed to meet each day with determined strength and resiliency. Even in her declining years, she recalled and lived out her father’s encouraging words that helped her believe that she could face any challenge in life.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Sunday, June 5, 2022, at Unity Lutheran Church (1450 E 33rd St, Des Moines, IA 50317) with luncheon and fellowship to follow at the Latvian community center (2323 Dixon Street, Des Moines, IA 50316). Inurnment will take place during the scheduled organized burial ceremony this fall at the Latvian Memorial Park in the Catskills, Tannersville, NY.

Print