Obituary of Kalju Kubits

Kalju Kubits (Christopher), of New Brighton, Minnesota, fell asleep in the Lord on April 30, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Ruta Vetra Kubits. He is survived by his brother, Tarmo Kubits (Bobbie), nieces and their children: Taryn Kubits Harkey, children: Thomas and Tiana; Gina Kubits (Nick Groth), children: Max, Miles and Emma; and nephew, Eric Kubits. Kalju is survived by his step-daughter, Marata Kadlec (Tony), step-grandsons, Theodore, Anton and Nikolas; step-son Aris Nicolopoulos, step-grandsons, Lukas and Rudi. He is also survived by his first wife, Lily Gardner and son, Mihkel Gardner. He is preceded in death by his son, James Michael; parents, Priido and Gertrud Kubits, aunt, Juta Mahakar, brother,Taavi Kubits, and angel grandbabies, as well as other relatives here and in Estonia. Kalju was born March 5, 1941 in Nomme, Estonia. He immigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1949 after living through WWII in eastern Europe and the postwar D.P. camps in Germany (like so many refugees from European countries at this post-WWII time). In Minneapolis, he grew up in a culturally rich diaspora of Estonians, where the language used at home was Estonian. Learning other languages, such as German, Russian and Latin in school was important. Violin study came at a young age, later piano, which he would practice for many hours. The interests and jobs that Kalju took on in his life were numerous and varied. When younger, he was a draftsman, art student at the U of M, practiced the craft of writing, studied Finnish, German and linguistics. He worked on towboats tying off barges for a year, as a dairy farmer in Wisconsin, millwright at Silver Bay, stockbroker in Oregon; and, lastly as a research technician for Seagate Technology (working nights in order to be able to lobby on behalf of the IHRC and the Anderson Library building project 1996). A life-long student, in large-part autodidact, he amassed a sizable library of books, in his words: “that will at some points in the future take over my housing.” European history, world geography, languages, linguistics, art and music were major interests. He was a great story teller. Community service/interests included: President of the Friends of IHRC; Co-chair, ABTA; Baltic Caucus; former member of the Governing Commission of Eastern Europe (under Gov. Rudy Perpich). For many years he participated in the Latvian Lutheran Church and choir along with his wife. He was also very involved in the Estonian Lutheran Church and Community. On March 20, 2021, Kalju took the Chrismation name “Christopher” in the Orthodox Church. He very much enjoyed attending Divine Liturgies at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, Minneapolis. Lastly, Kalju was a loving and patient step-grandfather. He devoted many long hours caring for and playing tactical/building games with them as they grew up, always making himself available for outings benefitting family and children’s activities. He loved his big dogs–the larger the better. We will always remember Kalju most for his kind, gentle and thoughtful nature. Our most heartfelt thanks to all who helped us in this journey, especially to staff and physicians at Minnesota Urology, Minnesota Oncology, Mercy Hospital, Benedictine Living Community and Allina Hospice.  A Funeral Liturgy will be held at held at 9:30AM on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Ave S. Minneapolis.  Visitation will begin at 6PM on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Willwerschied Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave Saint Paul, followed by Trisagion at 7PM.  Burial will follow the service at 11AM at Lakewood Cemetery.