In Loving Memory of Ojars Rekis 1944 – 2026
With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Ojars Rekis, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, farmer, businessman, and faithful Christian whose legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.
Ojars was born in Latvia in 1944 to Konstancia (Velkme) Rekis and Oskars Rekis. His earliest years were marked by the hardships of World War II. His father, Oskars, served in the Latvian military and tragically lost his life near a concentration camp in Russia . During these difficult circumstances, Ojars, along with his mother and grandfather, escaped Latvia and spent approximately four and a half years in a refugee camp in Germany.
Through perseverance and hope, the family was eventually sponsored and immigrated to the United States, where they began a new chapter of life on a farm, with a widower Carl and his children, in Minnesota.
After his mother remarried to Carl Smith, the family settled in the Marshfield, Wisconsin area. Ojars then attended the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where he furthered his education before embracing the farming lifestyle that would become his life’s work.
Following the guidance of his stepfather, Ojars ventured into farming and quickly established himself as an innovative and hardworking agricultural leader.
After marrying the love of his life Marlene(Casperson) in 1969 he built not only a successful farming operation but also a remarkable life. Together they shared 57 years of marriage, a partnership rooted in faith, love, dedication, and unwavering commitment to family.
Their farming operation flourished through years of hard work, growing to include registered cattle, approximately one hundred head of milking livestock, and many acres of cropland. Ojars and Marlene’s dedication to agriculture earned them recognition, including the prestigious Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year Award. Yet, despite the accomplishments and accolades, Ojars greatest pride was never found in the farm itself—it was found in the family they built together.
Ojars was the proud father of six children: Cortney (Jerry Dieringer), Angela (Bruce Shearer), Ryan, Brandon (Heidi Engen), Kristin, and Craig. He was also blessed with a growing family of grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Victoria (Josh Grorich), Marissa(James Newkirk) Miranda (Brayden DeVries), Rhya, Cierra, Harper, Bob, Jackson, Grayson, Samson, Taggart, and Dagny.
His joy multiplied with the arrival of his great-grandchildren: Terrah, Everlyn, Emmett, Killian, and a precious baby Newkirk on the way.
The Rekis family farm was more than a business—it was a way of life. Together, the family raised cattle, tended crops, cultivated gardens, and built a close-knit family rooted in Christian values. Their home was filled with laughter, hard work, and simple joys. Whether organizing kickball games, friendly races across the yard, hosting family parties, or gathering around the dinner table, Ojars cherished every opportunity to bring his family together.
Ojars loved farming and business. He enjoyed managing operations. He took great pride in teaching his children the value of hard work, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and perseverance. He believed in creating opportunities. This entrepreneurial spirit is what led to the transition from cows to cars launching his next chapter as the founder of Tiger Motors. He proudly operated for over 30 years.
But perhaps what people will remember most about Ojars was his ability to make others smile.
No interaction was too small. Whether speaking with a cashier, a banker, a server, or a stranger he had just met, Ojars looked for ways to brighten someone’s day. A joke, a story, a kind word, or a playful comment—he delighted in making people laugh and feel valued.
Of all the people he loved, none held a more special place in his heart than his wife, Marlene. He spoke often of her beauty, her strength, her love for Christ, and the wonderful mother she was to their children. Their marriage was a shining example of devotion, partnership, and enduring love.
Ojars also held a deep love for his mother and remained devoted to her throughout her life, spending time with her regularly and honoring the sacrifices she made for their family.
Above all else, Ojars was a man of faith. A devoted Christian, he believed that God was the foundation of everything worthwhile in life. He attended church faithfully every Sunday at Bluffview Church and truly valued the relationships he made there. He instilled those values in his children and grandchildren, the importance of faith and family . He believed the greatest purpose in life was to love God and love people. One shining quality Ojars had was his ability to bring God into conversations with whoever he felt needed it. He touched so many lives by showing and sharing his love of Christ.
Ojars lived a life defined by resilience, generosity, humor, faith, and unconditional love. His legacy is found not only in the farm he built, but in the family he nurtured, the values he taught, and the countless lives he impacted with his kindness and encouragement.
Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that his faith has led him home and that his love, wisdom, and example will continue to guide future generations.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Ojars memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May his legacy of faith, family, hard work, and joy continue to inspire all who were blessed to share in his life. ❤️
The wake will be at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield on June 23 from 4-8pm
Visitation will continue on June 24 starting at 10am at Bluff View Church in Arpin. Followed by a celebration of life service at 11am and a luncheon to follow at the church.
