Memorial

Elizabeth Lapainis, born Elizabeth Kremer on December 15, 1917, in Cesis, Latvia, died peacefully in her sleep on July 14, 2014, in Palm Desert, CA.

She had studied piano at the Conservatory of Music in Riga, Latvia, during which time she met and married Robert Emil Lapainis, with whom she had one son, Egils. After some terrifying experiences during World War II, the family immigrated to the United States, in 1948, settling initially in Grinnell, Iowa and later relocating to Cedar Rapids. Elizabeth became a prominent teacher of piano, had a large practice. She was active in both the Mozart and Beethoven Clubs, and was also a member of the Iowa Music Teachers Association; she retired in 1980. A devoted member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, she sang in the choir for many years.

She is survived by her son, Egils, of Palm Desert, California, two grandsons, Christian and wife Kimberly, and great-granddaughter Poppy Marie all of Lake Oswego, Oregon and grandson Theodore of Bellevue, Washington. Also surviving is a brother, Woldemar Kremer of Passail, Austria.

Service to be held at St. Mark’s Faith and Life Center, Marion, on Thursday, July 24th; visitation and viewing at St. Mark’s from 1 to 2:00PM, service thereafter.