Paulis Vikelis
Meriden- Paulis Vikelis, 94 passed away April 13, 2008. He was the husband of the late Margaret (Morosow) Vikelis. Paul was born in Latvia on March 5, 1914. After release from his service in the European region by the Director of the British Occupied Zone in June 1947, Paul secured sponsorship for his move to Westbrook, MN. On his journey from Germany to New Orleans on the USNS 'General Harry Taylor' Paul was given an excellent recommendation by the Executive Officer for his work under adverse conditions. After fulfilling his sponsorship requirements, Paul moved to Meriden and worked as a machinist, retiring from Talcott Machine Products. Paul was an avid gardener, stayed knowledgeable on current events and supported many charities worldwide. He enjoyed his walks and weekly meals at the local Chinese Buffet. He said it was 'good for his digestion'. Memorial gathering will be held at BEECHER & BENNETT-FLATOW FUNERAL HOME, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden on Tuesday, April 22 at 11 a.m. Paul will be laid to rest with his wife in late spring at the Latvian Memorial Park in Tannersville, New York. Contributions in Paul's memory may be made to the American Latvian Association Inc., 400 Hurley Ave., Rockville, MD 20850 or to the Latvian Lutheran Church, 21 Garden St., Manchester, CT 06040. The Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden is in charge of the arrangements.
I know that both Mark, Debbie and Jake had opened their arms to be with Paul on a regular basis. He had become part of their family. Feeling the love of these wonderful people meant the world to him ever since they arrived in CT in 1985.
I met Paulis Vikelis after his marriage to my cousin, Margi, the late Margaret Morosow Vikelis when I arrived in Meriden to meet my own family in 1961. We met on several occasions when friends and relatives were joined together, mostly celebrating a birthday party. Paul liked gardening especially in the years of retirement and as the years passed by, their garden looked like a fairy tale. I will keep Paul in good memory and may he rest in peace. Alexandra Baer 11 rue Pertinax, 06000 Nice France Although we did not see each other very often, I have very sweet memories of Paul and Margi. They were as an uncle and aunt. Whenever I visited them, they were always very kind and generous, taking us to the movies or to the mall.Margi was very thoughful, never forgot a Birthday and would put beautiful stamps on the letters. I will miss them.They will remain in my heart. Karina Galet, 29 rue du Clos Varissan Millery France
I remember all the times when we used to go over to your house and have a wonderful meal. How proud you were of your roses and other plants. I did not know you until I married George your .nephew. you were a wonderful caring man. God Bless you. I know you are in a better place.
Paul was .Onkel Paul. to Karsten as Margi was his godmother and had been a lifelong friend to Karst’s parents, Mary and Fred. In the 1950’s and 1960’s the Kremser women and children would spend at least a month each summer on Vale Avenue picking berries, weeding the gardens, swimming at Hammonasett, drives in Paul’s black Jaquar, canning, cooking and just enjoying Paul and Margi’s seemingly effortless grand hospitality. I met them both in 1976 and we visited every year and had so much fun! Paul took us on drives to try a restaurant he heard about, visit the carousel museum, eat at the buffet at the Union 76 service plaza, served up our first .Nikoloshkas. (with extra cognac and minus the instant coffee) and eat apple pancakes. We were always interested in hearing his astute views on the state of the world and the economy as well as his reminisces of his interesting life. Like Margi, Paul will be missed but often remembered in our hearts.
We first met Paul and Margarete in 1987 when our daughter Debra and her husband Mark moved to Meriden and rented a house owned by the Vikelis. It gave us great comfort that they become friends with them knowing our daughter was now living away from the hometown because they were such wonderful people. Debra and Mark quickly became friends and through the years and my wife and I would often join Paul and Margaret at holiday times they would share with Mark and Debbie. I would especially enjoy talking .old times. with Paul. It was a blessing that Paul and Margarete would be part of the lives of Debbie, Mark and Jake. For this we are very grateful.
We will miss you a lot Uncle Paul. We are glad that you had such wonderful friends by your side even when we could not be there with you. I know Aunt Margi is happy to have you with her once more. We will miss you and love you always, and hope to see you again one day. <3 Sheena and Mike