Janis Rudolfs Kalnins

June 11, 1966 — September 17, 2023

Janis Kalnins

Service Details

Janis Rudolfs Kalnins, 57, Beloved of His Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ, passed away into Heaven Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Janis was born in Des Moines, IA on June 11, 1966, to Imants and Ruta Kalnins both of Latvian heritage. He was a graduate of East High School and Latvian Summer high school.

Janis deeply loved His Savior Jesus Christ and wanted everyone to know Him too. He loved reading his Latvian books on faith which were his special treasures and constant companions. He was rarely seen without them. Some of his favorites included a monthly publication from Latvia, a daily devotional in the Latvian language and others. He was deeply inspired by Rev. R. Feldmanis and Rev. M. Grivans both of whom had survived religious persecution under communism when Latvia was occupied after WWII.

Janis had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. His gift of encouragement and kind words blessed many. He loved to discuss spiritual topics, loved history and nature. He had an excellent memory, knew many of the Latvian hymns by heart and loved to reminisce about the people and events of his past especially associated with growing up in the Latvian community. He often attended the local community events and was a member of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran church, faithfully attending Sunday Bible studies and services. Janis had a special love and a caring heart for the elderly.

Janis also loved and appreciated his house mates and staff of the Optimae community which were a great support to him. Among his favorite songs was “Walk of Life” by Dire Straits and deeply, personally meaningful was “When God Ran” by Benny Hester. Janis loved his family, his communities and was loved by many, many. Janis lived a very unique, adventuresome life and overcame many challenges.

Janis is survived by his beloved father Imants, brother Dainis (Aija) and nephews Eduards and Tomass, and sisters Ilga and Ilze. He was preceded in death by his mother Ruta Kalnins and brother Guntis.

A service and burial of his ashes will be at a later date. Donations may be directed to Iowa Latvian Evangelical Lutheran church in Des Moines or family of Janis to be used for his favorite charity in Latvia.

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