Al was born on 3/9/58 in Mpls, MN. His parents were immigrants from Latvia after WW II. He served in the U.S. Marines for three years, stationed in the Philippines. After returning to Mpls. in 1979 he met his wife Jeri through a dating agency. They were married six months later and raised four wonderful children over the past 33 years in St. Paul: Christine (Stankeivicz, 39 - New Prague), Aaron (31, St. Paul), Kimberly (24 - Missouri), and Taylor (19 - St. Paul). And they have three very smart grandchildren: Mike (18), Oriana (14), and Amira (11). After 5-1/2 months at the VA Hospital and then 5 weeks at the Golden Living Center in Roseville, his almost 2-year battle with a rare disease called CJD finally ended in his Home-going on Friday, Aug. 23rd with his wife and two youngest children at his side. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ausma and grandparents. His father (Albert) and sister (Daina Cola), still reside in Mpls. He had many relatives on his wife's side, and many friends, neighbors, co-workers (26 years at TCF bank) and church family who he loved spending time with. He leaned heavily on God for wisdom and guidance through daily bible reading. He also loved helping people and found much enjoyment in his back yard cultivating a beautiful haven for his family; loved the outdoors including nature hikes, canoeing, camping, biking, picnics, and walks around the lake with the family dog. He also enjoyed cooking/eating out, Friday night movies with the family and his homemade kettle corn, listening to good music, and memory-making adventures. Al was taken from us too soon, but he left an amazing legacy for all who knew and loved him. He truly lived the Marine Corp motto of Semper Fidelis, "Always Faithful."