Ilmar Upenieks

Ilmar Upenieks, 81, of Britt, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022 at the Hancock County Health System in Britt. Memorial service for Sharon and Ilmar will be May 28, 2022, at 9:00 AM, with military honors at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. A gathering beginning at 11:00 AM will take place at 576 6th Street Southeast Britt, Iowa 50423. Ilmar was on Aug, 6 1941 in the country of Lativia. During World War II Ilmar and his family moved from refugee camp to refugee camp to move further away from the heat of the war. At age 10, Ilmar along with his brother, sister, and parents left Latvia and traveled by boat to New York and then a train to Iowa where they applied for immigration to America through the Lutheran Society of Iowa in 1951. After finishing high school Ilmar joined the national Guard of Iowa at the age of 17. Ilmar was a specialist E-4 from 1957-1960. Ilmar met the love of his life, Sharon Gibbons in 1959. The two started their life together and were joined in marriage on June 17, 1960. Sharon and Ilmar had 2 beautiful children, Michael John Upenieks, February 1, 1962 and Melissa Ann Upenieks, September 30, 1965. In 1971 the family moved to Britt, IA. While living in Britt, IA Ilmar owned and operated the local bowling alley and later the two car washes. Ilmar volunteered over 20 years for the Britt Ambulance Association, during that time he spent was a driver for both 911 calls as well as transfers. Ilmar spent a number of years as the president as well. He took great pride being able to serve his community. Ilmar finished out his working career as a truck driver, he started at Norseman Trucking and worked for several local farmers before retiring to spend more time at home. Ilmar was always known around town driving around on his golf cart. Every Friday night out at the Hancock County fairgrounds Ilmar would be sitting there watching his grandson, Matt out racing his racecar. Ilmar never knew a stranger throughout his life he would socialize with everyone. Ilmar is survived by his wife Sharon, his son, Michael Upenieks of St. Benedict IA. 4 grandchildren: Chris (Kelly) of Bode, IA, Matt (Tannyn) of Britt, IA, Brooke (Charlie) of Route 66, Brandon (Candance) of CDA, ID. 13 Great-grandchildren: Austin (2000), Blaze (2007), Ava (2009), Natalie (2005), Victoria (2013), Xandyr (2016), Dillan (2002), Denyon (2010), Damick (2013), Bailey (1998), Paige (2003), Shannon (2005), Logan (2006) and would be welcoming in another perfect great grandson in Aug 2022. His brother and sister. Ilmar is preceded in death by his daughter, Missy. His parents and numerous other family and friends.