Valija Polis, aged 95, of Grand Rapids, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband Davis Polis. She was born in Sigulda, Latvia. She became Red Cross nurse during the World War II in Latvia and later also, while a refugee, in Germany. Valija Polis immigrated to the United States with her father and mother in late 1940s as WWII refugees. She worked for Keebler Company. She was member of the Evangelical Lutheran Latvian Church of Grand Rapids until her death as well as an active member of “Daugavas Vanagi” veterans group and a member of the Latvian Association of Grand Rapids. Valija Polis was active in theatre group and choir. She will be fondly remembered by friends and members of the church. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 6, 2016 at 10 a.m. followed by service at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical Lutheran Latvian Church of Grand Rapids with Reverend Ilze Larsen, officiating. Interment at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to the Evangelical Lutheran Latvian Church of Grand Rapids, 1780 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
