Raymond W. Latva

LATVA, Raymond W.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away Thursday, March 12, 2009 at his home with his family by his side. Raymond was born November 30, 1927 in Topaz, MI a son of Michael and Alma Koivuniemi Latva and had lived in Kalamazoo since 1950. He was a member of Lutheran Church of the Savior, had served his country in the United States Army during WW II and was employed by several railroad companies, including Conrail, for 40 years prior to his retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents; and 5 brothers, Yrjo, George, Emil, Alfred and Samuel. Ray is survived by his wife, Dorothy Ylkanen Latva of Kalamazoo; their three sons, Dr. Darrell Patricia Latva of Tinley Park, IL, Mark Vickie Latva of Three Rivers and Timothy Anne Latva of Chicago; 5 grandchildren, Jim, Ashley, Justin, Nathaniel and Juliette; two brothers, his twin brother, Milton Elsie Latva of New Berlin, WI and Armas Marti Latva of Racine, WI; brother-in-law, David Vicki Ylkanen of Fountain Hills, AZ; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 2:00 PM in the Lutheran Church of the Savior, 3616 East G Avenue with Rev. Dennis Remenschneider officiating. Interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. on Sunday from 6-8 PM and on Monday at the church, beginning at 1:00 PM. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association or Lutheran Church of the Savior. www.langelands.com 343-1508