Jānis was born March 13, 1939 on his grandparents’ estate “Lades Muiza” in Limbazi, Latvia. In October 1944 when World War II made its way into Latvia, his mother, brother Imants and he escaped to become DP’s, arriving in Germany on Christmas morning 1945. They emigrated to Longview, Washington in 1950, moving to Seattle in 1952.
After graduating from Queen Anne High School in 1957, Jānis was accepted into the University of Washington and joined Fraternitas Metropolitana, an old Latvian fraternity. For the rest of his life he proudly upheld the standards of the organization, serving several times as President and Pledge Master.
In the fall of 1959 he met Tonina Hunley while dancing at the German Club in downtown Seattle and were married July 1, 1961. They returned home for their honeymoon to find the invitation from Uncle Sam to join the US Army. Jānis fulfilled his duty with the 501st Military Police Company in the 1st Armored Division at Ft. Hood, Texas. He was discharged in December 1963.
Jānis worked at Boeing and US Steel Supply Division before starting his long Life and Property & Casualty insurance carrier on October 1, 1964. He retired December 31, 2007.
Jānis is survived by his wife Toni Praudins, children Rasa (Jim) Vander Veer, Erika (Michael) Peterson, and Ed (Amy) Praudins. Also survived by his brothers: Imants Praudins, Uldis (Bitite) Blukis, Juris Blukis, Gunars (Andrea) Blukis, brother-in-law Garth (Frieda) Hunley, 8 Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear family and friends all over the world.
Services will be Friday, February 3rd, 12:30 p.m. at the Latvian Ev. Lutheran church, 11710 3rd Ave NE, Seattle, WA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Latvian Ev. Lutheran Church of Seattle, 11710 3rd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125; Latvian Association State of WA, PO Box 75081, Seattle, WA 98125-008, or any charity of one's own selection.
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