Janis Plisis, age 89 of Williams Bay Wi., passed away Tuesday February 5, 2013 at his home at Williams Bay Care Center in Williams Bay Wi. Janis was born on April 14, 1923 in the Village of Alsviki, Latvia, the son of Augusts and Nelda (Grava) Plisis. As a young man in Latvia, Janis was a star track and field athlete, specializing in the Decathlon (10 events; 100, 400 and 1500 meter running events, high jump, broad jump, pole vault, javelin, shot put, discus and hurdles) He would have represented his country of Latvia at the 1940 Olympics had the country not been illegally occupied by the Soviet Union. Along with his wife Milda and their two children, Edite and Ojars, they immigrated to the United States on June 16, 1951. becoming citizens in November of 1957. He had a great love of family and country and inspired those around him.
He is survived by his daughter, Rita (Wayne) Hawk of Dousman, Wi. 5 granchildren; Matthew Hawk, Stacy (Ryan) Sherman, Erin Plisis, Amee (Dennis) Yakes, LeeAnna (Jay) Wood. 6 great-grandchildren; Alissa, Adam, Kayla, Emily, Riley and Nikolas. Son-in-law Robert Carter and daughter-in-law Linda Plisis. Also surviving are nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Milda, daughter Edite, son Ojars, brothers, Pauls and Voldis Plisis and sister Elza Zervins.
Memorial Services will be 11:00am Saturday February 9, 2013 at the United Church of Christ, 46 Stam St. Williams Bay Wi. Memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ. MONROE FUNERAL HOME in Delavan, Wi. is assisting the family. Visit us at monroefh.com
