Viktor Ishankulov-Chepurin

Viktor Mikhailovich Ishankulov-Chepurin was born on March 9, 1943, in Uzbekistan. His father was drafted into the war and went missing in action before Viktor was born. His mother, Antonina Ivanovna, trained as a nurse and was sent to Angren for work, while Viktor was raised by his grandmother Yevdokiya and his great-grandparents Anna and Yakov Molochnikov. From an early age, Viktor learned responsibility, resilience, and the importance of family—values that shaped the way he lived and cared for others throughout his life.

After the war, in 1952, his mother remarried and brought Viktor to Riga. Viktor had a close relationship with his stepfather, and they worked together for many years. As a young man, Viktor served in the USSR Navy in the Baltic Fleet. After completing his military service, he returned to civilian life and continued working and building his future.

In the early 1960s, Viktor became deeply involved in church life. He was surrounded by a caring community and grew steadily in faith. He worked hard to support his family and helped raise his younger siblings.

In 1970, Viktor met Raisa Chepurina. They were married on August 9 of that year and built a loving home together. Viktor was a devoted husband and father who believed in being present and dependable. He and Raisa raised three children: Natalia, Alexey, and Oksana. Family life was centered around music, shared meals, and time spent together. Evenings included Bible reading and quiet prayer. Though the family lived modestly, Viktor made sure his children could attend music school, and their home was filled with music and warmth.

In 1992, Viktor and his family moved to the United States. Here, Viktor’s children married and had children.

Viktor adored his four granddaughters, Alvina, Anastasia, Kristina and Alina. He spent a lot of time with them and actively took part in their upbringing.

Every summer, Viktor took his children and granddaughters to the lake, where he cooked for them, fished with them, and simply spent time with them.

In April 2011, Viktor experienced the unexpected loss of his son, Alexey, at the age of 38. This was a profound loss for him and his family, which he carried quietly and with strength.

In November 2024, Viktor developed serious heart problems. He remained active for much of his final year and continued to spend time with family. One of the moments that meant the most to him was meeting his first great-grandson, Alexey, and seeing his family gathered together once more. Until the end, Viktor prayed, sang, quoted Scripture, and smiled.

Viktor passed away peacefully on the evening of December 25, 2024. He will be remembered for his kindness, patience, strong faith, and the quiet, steady way he showed love. His life and memory live on through his family and all those whose lives he touched.