Janis V. Silins, 85, of Redfield, SD died peacefully, Saturday, June 6, 2009 at his home, with his loving family at his side.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Liga Briedis will officiate.

There will be a time for fellowship and lunch at Redfield Senior Center after the service. A private burial will be held at a later time.(www.thelenfuneralhome.com)

In lieu of flowers, Janis requested memorials to the Hospice Association of choice or the Senior Center.

Janis Voldemars Silins was born on October 17, 1923 to Janis and Anna (Krause) Silins in Cesvaine, Latvia. He was one of three children. He married Aina Dunkulis on September 25, 1946. They immigrated to the United States in 1949, along with their newborn son Aivars. They settled in De Smet, SD, where Janis became a baker. The family moved to Burlington, IA in 1953. In 1958 they moved back to De Smet, where Janis became the owner/operator of the City Bakery. Janis purchased the Redfield Bakery in 1965, and operated Silins Pastry Shop until 1983. He was renowned for specialties, such as rum cakes and bacon rolls, but is best remembered for his beautiful and intricate decorated cakes. He won many awards and ribbons at the South Dakota State Fair, as well as other competitions.

He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Redfield Lions club, and was an active fixture at the Redfield Senior Center. Janis also loved his flower gardens, vegetable gardens, pets, feeding wild birds and traveling to visit family. He enjoyed nature's beauty and exploring historic sites.

Janis is survived by his sons Aivars (Cathy) and Andrew (Karen), daughters: Silvia Silins, Rita Silins and Mara Silins; two granddaughters Corinne and Janel (Byron) Benson and two great-grandchildren Korbin and Kelsey.

Janis was preceded in death by his parents, both sisters, his wife Aina and an infant son Arvis.