Gunars 'Gus' Muizulis

Waltham - Mr. Gunars ‘Gus’ Muizulis, of Waltham, died unexpectedly, Sunday, August 22, 2010 in Newton – Wellesley Hospital after being stricken ill at home. He was 76.

Gunars, lovingly known as ‘Gus’, was born May 31, 1934 in Krimulda, Latvia, a son of the late Janis A. and Zelma (Tiltins) Muizulis. At the age of 8 his parents took both Gus and his late sister, Velta, and escaped from their native Latvia when the war broke out. They fled to Germany in 1949 and later immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in New York City. His parents found work in Mississippi where they settled to raise their family. Gus graduated high school in Mississippi and later moved to Massachusetts and settled in West Newton in 1959. He has been Waltham resident since 1962. He served in the National Guard.

Gus worked as a chef for Daka Incorporated, a food service management company, for over 4 years, working primarily at Polaroid Corporation before retiring in 1986 due to disability. Previously, he had worked at Babson College. His career began when he owned and operated his own canteen service truck for many years.

He and his family enjoyed camping at Peter’s Pond in Sandwich on Cape Cod. An avid sports enthusiast he loved the Cape Cod baseball league and New England sports overall. He worked at the St. Mary’s bingo and was a longtime den leader for the boy scouts. Gus managed the Waltham Little Nippers for over 12 years. Gus treasured time with his family and especially time with his grandson, Thomas, whom he referred to as his ‘lil buddy’.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Velta Eglitis.

Gus leaves his wife of 48 years, Lorraine M. (Milliken) Muizulis; three sons, Edward T. Muizulis, Thomas M. Muizulis and his wife, Diane, and Waltham Firefighter Scott A. Muizulis, all of Waltham; his grandson, Thomas M. Muizulis Jr. and his much loved dog, ‘Misty’; nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Gus’ life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 11 a.m. on Thursday morning when his funeral service will be held. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorials in his name may be made to American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.