Veronika Lakstigala, 99

Veronika Lakstigala, age 99, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021 at Good Samaritan Society Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Veronika was born March 13, 1922 in Daugavpils, Latvia to Sebastjans and Karina Paberzs. Her family fled to Sweden from Latvia in 1944. They moved to the United States in November 1959, locating in White River, South Dakota.

Veronika was joined in marriage to Peters E. Lakstigala on Dec. 20, 1959 in White River, South Dakota. In 1968, the couple moved to Sioux Falls. She was a piano and music teacher for 54 years before retiring in 2004.

Veronika was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. She served as a board member of the First Arts Council. She received the honor of the Knights of the White Buffalo award. Veronika founded the Piano Forum in Sioux Falls. She joined the Sioux Falls Area Music Association Auxiliary and was their first president. Veronika served 22 years as secretary treasurer of the South Dakota Music Association, and as the president from 1972-1973.

Veronika’s hobbies include gardening, geography, languages and art. Her greatest passion was music, especially teaching piano lessons to all her wonderful students.

Veronika was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Peters E. Lakstigala.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Lions Eye Bank or American Latvian Association.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Aug.31, 2021 at Miller Funeral Home – Southside Chapel, in Sioux Falls, SD. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral arrangements held by Miller Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, SD. For obituary and online registry book, please visit www.millerfh.com.

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