Modris "Marty" Seskis

Modris Seskis “Marty”, 78, of Independence, Missouri, passed away early Sunday morning August 12, 2018, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. His death was the result of a massive stroke to the middle cerebral artery. Inurnment will occur at a later date in Des Moines, Iowa.
Marty was born on February 1, 1940, in Cesis, Latvia, to the late Arvids and Zelma (Liepins) Seskis. During his early childhood, he and his family were thrust into extreme turmoil at the outbreak of World War II. After enduring the effects of the war, Marty’s father learned he was on a list to be deported to Siberia, which would have resulted in death for him and his family. Arvids, a member of the Latvian Military Defense Organization, rushed home to transport his wife and children to Riga to board a ship to Germany. With family safely on the ship, Arvids’ returned to fight the Russians. Zelma and the children spent the next six years as refugees. While in Rothenburg, Germany she received word of Arvids’ death. The Seskis family was rescued by bachelor Karlis Drande who promised to marry and provide for her and the children. Together they applied for sponsorship to come to America. Wilbur and Bertha Meyer of Mason, Texas became their sponsor providing a home, jobs and transportation. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and congregation opened their hearts and wallets to help these immigrants get a start in America. After a year Karlis, Zelma, and the children moved to Des Moines, Iowa to be closer to his family.
As a young boy, he spent much of his time discovering this new country and developed a love for the outdoors, including hunting and fishing. He also worked diligently to learn and perfect his new language, English.
As a teenager, he attended Des Moines Technical High School where he played basketball and earned his varsity letter in tennis. He graduated in 1959. After high school, he earned an associate degree from Drake University.
Marty met the love of his life, Maureen Brophy, and married her on September 23, 1965. They lived together in West Des Moines, Iowa, where they raised three boys: Michael, Mark, and Matthew. In 1991 they moved to Freeport, Illinois and in 1993 moved permanently to Independence, Missouri. Marty worked very hard to care for his family, emphasizing the importance of education. While employed for Frye Manufacturing, Des Moines, Iowa, he developed a carbonless form for the company. He then retired from Owatonna Tool Company in Owatonna Minnesota when they closed their doors and finalized his career with insurance sales. Marty was also very political as he was often involved as a petitioner.
Marty is survived by his wife, Maureen, and three children Michael, Mark, and Matthew (Lilliana), of Independence, Missouri. He is survived by two grandchildren, Brian (Matilda), of Kansas City, Missouri, and Brett, of Independence, Missouri. He is survived by three nephews Andris (Stephanie) great niece Maiga, Erik (Rita) great nephew Kire, and Stefan (Jill) of Des Moines, Iowa. He is preceded in death by his parents Arvids Seskis and Zelma Seskis Drande, stepfather Karlis Drande, sister Ruta, and brother Gunars. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com