Martins "Marty" Minka

Martins (Marty) Karlis Minka went to be with his Lord on April 30, 2022. He was born on November 26, 1962 to Alfred and Gaida (Rungis) Minka in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Following his graduation from Kalamazoo Central High School, Martin attended Western Michigan University where, in 1989, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. While attending WMU, Martin met his wife, Lori (Maxson) Minka. The two were married on September 4, 1994. Together they raised two wonderful children Alyssa and Nikolai Minka in the quiet town of Plainwell, Michigan.  Marty spent many years working as a sales representative for various food companies. He also spent some time substitute teaching in various schools in the area.

Martin enjoyed hunting and fishing. Many of his days were spent at his property in Grand Junction with his favorite labs Ciba, Alma, Kona, and Opal. This piece of property reminded him of his parents’ homeland of Latvia.  Another passion of Martins was cycling.  Whether it was racing a bike or riding it for fun, it was his favorite. He also loved to spend time in the sun–a favorite stop of his was the beaches in South Haven.

Martin loved his Latvian heritage and from a young age he was taught about what it meant to be Latvian. He was very well known in the local Latvian community and Garezers (a Latvian Camp located in Three Rivers, MI).  He also shared this love with his children. Martin was able to travel to Latvia a few times over the years, with his most memorable trip being when he was able to take Alyssa and Nikolai. These adventures led him to find his favorite spot, Kolka–it was his paradise. 

Martin is survived by his wife of 28 years Lori (Maxson) Minka; two children Alyssa (William) Milliken and Nikolai (Molly Wright) Minka; three siblings Imants (Donna Talbot) Minka, Arnis (Dzidra) Minka, and Zaiga (John) Thorson.

While visiting Martins webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or sharing a memory with the family. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions to the Kalamazoo Latvian Associations (100 Cherry Hill Dr, Kalamazoo MI 49006), Garezers (57732 Lone Tree Rd, Three Rivers MI 49093), and the Kalamazoo Latvian Fishing and Hunting Club (2334 Tonawanda Lake Rd, Grawn MI 49637). 

Visit with family and friends on Saturday, May 7^th starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo, 100 Cherry Hill Dr, Kalamazoo MI 49006 with Pastor Aija Graham. A lunch service is to follow at the Kalamazoo Latvian Association Center located next door.