Janis Sventeckis

Janis “John” Sventeckis, 83, of Indianapolis, departed this life April 10 2014 at home. John was born April 16, 1930 near Rezekne, in Makaseni, Latvia to the late Jezups and Katra Sventeckis. In 1944, the family left their home to escape the invading Soviet army and spent 5 years in a Displaced Persons camp in Esslingen, Germany. In 1949, the family immigrated to America, settling in Indianapolis. John served in the United States Army. He earned his degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. He worked for Naval Avionics for 36 years, retiring in 1995. John loved gardening and supporting the Latvian community in many ways. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, The Indianapolis Latvian Community Center, The Latvian Catholic Association and the Latvian Student and Academic Association – “Dzintars”. John is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Mary (Pocs) Sventeckis; sons, Robert (Kellie) Sventeckis and Erik (Mara) Sventeckis; daughter, Linda (Mike) Kantner; grandchildren, Alexander, Alyssa and Austin Sventeckis; sister, Bronislava Melbardis and many cousins, nieces and nephews, and relatives in Latvia. He was preceded in death by his brother Konstantins and infant sister Antonina. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am, Monday, April 14th, at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Sunday, April 13th at the Mortuary with a prayer service there beginning at 5:30pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Latvian Community Center, or American Latvian Catholic Association with a designation to Catholic Seminary of Riga. Services entrusted to Feeney-Hornak Mortuary. Memorial tributes may be offered at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com.