Juris Kruklitis

December 21, 1946 - February 4, 2022

Juris (George) Kruklitis was born December 21, 1946 in Weiden, Germany. His family were refugees forced to flee their homeland of Latvia October 1944 as Communist rule consumed their country. Traveling on foot and by boat, they arrived in Germany where they lived in various Displaced Person camps for several years, during which time, Juris was born. In the summer of 1950, they boarded the ship named General Black, a military troop carrier, and emigrated to America. With the help of a church organization and American sponsor (McClelland family) they ultimately settled in Plymouth, Michigan. Juris faced many challenges in his life due to a disability from birth. He was fortunate in life to have a number of compassionate, warm and kind people assist him with these challenges. Living with his family while his parents were alive, and then in several residential group homes that provided round the clock care, he pursued many of the things he loved. These included bowling, mini-golf, watching football and baseball, music, dances, enjoying meals, socializing at workshops, scary movies and super heroes – especially Batman! Even with his challenges, he ended up being a great communicator in his own way, connecting with people wherever he would go. Juris is preceded in death by his mother (Vilma), father (Karlis) and sister (Marite). He is survived by his brother Andrejs (Kay) Kruklitis, his sister Baiba (Jim) Hicks, and his stepsister Elga Leone, and 4 nieces and 3 nephews. There will be a Private Cremation, and then Memorial Service and Burial will take place in the Summer of 2022 at Riverside Cemetery in Plymouth. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory on this web page.