Dagnija Dace Krievins

Wednesday, April 15th, 2025, the world lost a beautiful soul. Dagnija Dace Krievins was born October 19, 1938, to Peteris and Valija Danfelds in Riga, Latvia. At the age of 5 her grandmother, mother, sister, foster brother, and her were taken to a refugee camp in Germany as World War II broke out. Her heart was never the same as she never saw her father again. At the age of 11 Dace, as she was known, finally sailed with her family to the United States where she proudly held dual citizenship as an American and Latvian. After a very short courtship, Dace married the love of her life, Artis Krievins, who was also a proud Latvian.

Art and Dace spent almost 50 years together in Wisconsin. Together they welcomed four children into the world: Rita, Linda, Karl, and Erik. Linda and Erik died at a young age which again wounded her tender heart, but Dace continued her commitment to raising awareness about Spina Bifida which Linda suffered from. Dace then became an RN where she served so many patients. She later became a CNA instructor and passed along her passion for nursing and caring for others. Dace was a woman of great faith and a member of the Lutheran Church. Art died in 2007 and again her heart was broken. Dace was prayerful and always held hope in her heart that they would one day be reunited.

Dace had many passions, but her greatest love was her grandchildren. In 2017 she moved to Utah and later Idaho to spend all her time with them. Karissa, Siarra, Kolten, Shanya, and Kodiak were Gabby’s (as the kid’s called her) greatest joy, but she lovingly called Baxter and Abby hers also. Kash, her great grandson, was a true gift to Gabby as they played hide and seek, and she sang him Latvian songs.

Dace will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Terryl and Sheryl’s home where she spent the last eight years of her life will never be the same. Everyone she came in contact with adored her, listened to her amazing stories, and laughed with her. With broken hearts, we know Gabby is dancing a polka with Pepaw, holding Linda and Erik, rejoicing with her parents and grandparents, and watching over us with her heart finally healed by God. A memorial and celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 25th, at 11:00 am at the Weston, Idaho church house.