John Ziedonis Kezbers

March 28, 1948 – October 21, 2025

John Ziedonis Kezbers, 77, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, next to his loving wife, Annette. Born in Hanau, Germany on March 28, 1948, John entered the world in a displaced persons camp as his family made their courageous journey from Latvia to the United States in the late 1940s. The Kezbers family arrived through Ellis Island and settled in Chicago, Illinois, where John grew up alongside his sisters, Dace and Marite.

John was the son of Karlis and Marta Kezbers and a proud graduate of the University of Illinois–Chicago. Intelligent and witty, he had a lifelong curiosity about the world and an enduring passion for the political landscape and the country he loved. Though he enjoyed thoughtful debate and current events, John was happiest at home—especially when surrounded by his children Karlis, Karina, Krista, and Kate, their spouses, his beloved grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

He was an avid fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder and could often be found laughing along to reruns of Seinfeld, a show that matched his quick wit and sharp humor.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 28, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the ALS Association in John’s honor.

John’s warmth, intelligence, and humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.