Gunnar Vanags

Gunnar (Guga) Vanags, 92 of Carmel, IN passed away Friday, January 7, 2022.  Gunnar was born September 16, 1929 in Riga, Latvia to Karlis and Alise Vanags.

In 1944 when the Soviet Communists re-occupied the Baltic States, the Vanags’ family fled to Germany where they lived 6 years in a Displaced Persons (DP) Camp.  Fortunately, with the help of the Lutheran Church, they emigrated to the United States and settled in Indianapolis.  There Gunnar met his future wife, Maija, to whom he was married 67 years.

Gunnar attended Indiana University night school and later graduated from Butler University.  He was a member of the Latvian Lutheran Church, Latvian Welfare Association and the Latvian Community Center.  He was also an avid sports fan and played tennis and golf.

Gunnar was preceded in death by his wife, Maija and youngest son, Einar (Michele) of Evergreen, CO.  He is survived by his sons, Eric (Chris) of Loveland, CO and Ronald Ingar (Lisa) of Carmel, IN; 5 grandchildren, Joel, Paige, Audrey, Hans and Jade.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Thursday, January 13 at Flanner Buchanan-Carmel, where family and friends are invited to gather from 10:30 until the time of the service.  Burial will follow at Floral Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Latvian Welfare DV or the Latvian Lutheran Church.