11/07/2024

Obituary for Juris George Dakters, M.D.

Father of Richard P. Dakters, Funeral Director/Embalmber with Behm Family Funeral Homes

Juris George Dakters, M.D., 89, a longtime Elyria resident, died November 2, 2024. He was born April 16, 1935, in Riga, Latvia and emigrated in 1950 after being displaced from his home during the Soviet invasion of the Baltic states. He became a naturalized citizen in 1957. He graduated from Shaw High School, Cleveland in 1953 and from Case Western Reserve University in 1957. He then graduated from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in 1962 and completed his internship at St. Lukes Hospital, Cleveland and his residency at University Hospital, Cleveland. In 1969, he began his practice of neurosurgery in Lorain County with Neurosurgical Services, Inc, retiring in 2005 after bringing healing to many in his community. His hospital affiliations included EMH Regional Healthcare Center and Community Health Partners with a stint as Chief of Staff. He was a longtime member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Elyria. He moved to Melbourne Beach, FL after retiring and enjoyed the ocean views with his beloved wife, Lori, and tennis matches with neighbors. He looked forward to fishing trips to Canada with his sons and traveling to synchronized skating competitions with his daughter followed by countless games, performances and recitals by his beautiful and talented grandchildren. George also enjoyed reading mystery novels; oil painting and poker night with his colleagues. His sense of humor was the epitome of “Dad” jokes and even his name called over the hospital intercom…” Dr. Dakters”…made people smile.

George is survived by sons, Russell G. (Vicki) Dakters of Elyria, OH, Richard P. (Tracie) Dakters of Perry, OH, and Gregory J. Dakters of Canal Fulton, OH; daughter, Ann E. (Scott) Kasch of Melbourne, FL; grandchildren Brittany (Adam) Shaw, Patrick (Chelsea) Dakters, Olivia (Stephen) Liotta, Madeleine (Micah) Nelson, Maia Dakters, Lauren Dakters, Amanda (Kyle) Coville, Benjamin Dakters, Marissa Kasch; and great-grandchildren Norah Davis, Carter Shaw, Charlotte Dakters, Micah Nelson, Jr., Ezra Liotta; nephew Leonard (Darlene) Dimitrijevs; brother-in-law, Edward J. (Dolores) Miller and three nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Loretta J. (nee Miller) in 2007; parents, Arvids and Elza Dakters and a sister, Inese Dimitrijevs.

Friends will be received Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria with Reverend Father Frank P. Kosem officiating. The burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation, 10810 E. 45^th Street, Suite 300, Tulsa, OK 74146 or The Salvation Army.