Valentina Voskans Obituary

Valentina Voskans, 90, of Des Moines, IA, passed away at her home on Saturday, July 30, 2022 surrounded by her family.

Valentina was born June 5, 1932, to Francis and Monika Kursitis in the beautiful country of Latvia, a land of serene lakes and scenic forests of birch and pine.

ln 1944, World War ll interrupted her family's idyllic rural life and drove them from their home to Germany. Tragically, in 1945, Valentina lost her father and youngest sister to typhoid fever. The rest of her family survived disease and war and moved to several displaced persons camps over the next six years.

In 1951, Valentina's family immigrated to the United States with the assistance of the Catholic Relief Organization and sponsors Msgrs. Ligutti and Marasco, and a generous farmer from Massena, IA, Glen Eblin. The family stayed at the headquarters of Catholic Rural Life until they found employment and a permanent place to live.

In 1954, Valentina married Jeff Voskans who had just returned from serving two years in the Korean War. Jeff and Val made their home in Des Moines, lA, and had three children.

Valentina retired from the State of Iowa, Department of Revenue, in 2010. Prior to that, Val had volunteered at the Department of Human Services and Human Rights, worked part time for 20 years at the ½ Price Store/Richmond Gordman's, and was employed for 10 years at Farm Bureau. Valentina also cared for her elderly, disabled mother-in-law for several years.

Val enjoyed spending time with her family at the Iowa Great Lakes, swimming, and fishing. She had a "green thumb" and enjoyed outdoor activities, including gardening vegetables and growing flowers. During the winter months, Val liked to knit, play sudoku puzzles, and bake. She especially enjoyed preparing Latvian dishes and snacks for her family and friends during the holidays. Valentina was a devout Roman Catholic and a longtime member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Valentina was preceded in death by the love of her life, best friend, and husband of 65 years, Jeff; parents Francis and Monika Kursitis; and infant sisters Anna and Lucy Kursitis.

Valentina is survived by two daughters: Ramona Fairburn (John), Sylvia Crook (Bob), and son, Jeffrey Voskans (Stacey); grandsons Michael Fairburn, Chris Crook, Jason Crook, John Voskans, and Liam McCourt; granddaughter Melissa Mays; as well as nine great grandchildren. Also left behind to treasure her memory are her four brothers: Kazmirs Kursitis, Peters Kursitis (Dzintra), John Kursitis (Sharon), Vitalis Kursitis (Elizabeth), and sister Antonina Kursitis, several nieces, and a beloved extended family. A special thank you to Val’s parish community, neighbors and Unity Point hospice services for their care and concern.

A rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2022, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church preceding a mass of Christian burial scheduled for 10:30 a.m. A private graveside service limited to family will be held at Glendale Cemetery following mass.

Due to Covid concerns, no reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the American Cancer Society or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

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