Valerie was born in Riga, Latvia on August 6, 1936, to Aleksandrs and Helene Olga Lapins. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 13 with her mother and siblings, having fled the Soviet occupation of her home country. She proudly became a citizen of the United States on November 17, 1959.
Valerie is survived by her brother, Larry Lapins, and her son, Stephen Kreis (Leila Bakkum), her seven grandchildren Austin, Dylan, John, Adeline, James, Charles, and Emma, and one great grandchild Audrey. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Edmund Kreis, her son, Siegfried Kreis, and her sister Inara (Lapins) Arias. She loved her dog, Sammie, up until the last day of her life.
Valerie lived most of her life in and near Chicago, IL. She had many interests and hobbies, including sewing, painting, tennis, golf, skiing, scuba diving and most of all travel. She helped her husband build a successful manufacturing business in Chicago.
A memorial service will be held at The Orchard, Barrington, IL on March 19, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please donate on Valerie’s behalf to your favorite cause.
