Mirdza Aina Behrenwald's Obituary
Mirdza Aina (Skuburs) Behrenwald passed away at age 98 on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Kelsey facility in Lakeview. Born in Latvia in 1924, "Mitzy" experienced the second world war from a first-hand vantage point, as her country was overthrown by axis forces. Accompanied by her parents and her sister, Mitzy survived the war during Latvia's occupation and was eventually sponsored by a Lakeview family, in 1949, for entrance to the United States. While working for that Lakeview family, she met and married the love of her life, Bernard Behrenwald, in 1951. Together, Mitzy and Bernard raised two sons, Allan and Walter, while living in Lakeview throughout their married life.
Mitzy was gifted with devotion to the natural world, including animals, birds, and plants. She enjoyed her backyard panorama of gardens, trees, and a pond. She loved to watch the birds and deer visit her domain. She was also skilled in drawing and painting. Throughout her life, Mitzy retained close ties with the Latvian community, both in the states (especially in the Saginaw area) and also through connection with relatives remaining in Latvia. Mitzy was very generous in sharing information about her life experiences with others, and articles about her history have been recorded in the lakeview newspapers.
Mitzy and Bernard had a uniquely wonderful marriage, as evidenced by their devotion to one another throughout that marriage. Bernard bestowed pet names on Mitzy of "baby doll" and "tiger", and while she said that she disliked the names, both described her perfectly. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and also a member of the Eastern Stars, as well as accompanying Bernard on his many business and veteran activities.
Midza was preceded in death by her parents, Fricis and Berta Skuburs, husband Bernard Behrenwald, sister and brother-in-law, Velta and Forrest Crow, and son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Karen Behrenwald and their son-in-law Aaron Arnold. She is survived by her son, Allan Behrenwald, grandchildren Krista Arnold and Rodney Behrenwald, and great-grandchildren, Shevi, Garrett, Gabrielle, Karleigh, Kensington, and Declan. Mitzy is also survived by her niece, Zenta Crow, and her companion Ken LaPorte. In her last years, Mitzy was supported to remain at home, as was her wish, by her close friend and caregiver, Barb.
Mirdza's life span of almost a century covered a myriad of world events and she was an active observer in all of them. She left her family and friends with wonderful recollections that we will continue to share to honor her memory. Family will plan a joint memorial for Mr. and Mrs. Behrenwald in the future.
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